Arabic version: قرار بشأن الغطاء النباتي يعرقل مجمع صواريخ ويلرز واي

According to ABC News, the Native Vegetation Council has rejected proposed changes to a heritage agreement that Southern Launch needed to build the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, putting the future of the South Australian rocket facility in doubt.

The proposed complex is on privately leased land at Whalers Way, 30 kilometres from Port Lincoln. Southern Launch sought to amend the heritage agreement so it could develop a facility offering space mission services, but the site is a recognised conservation area for native vegetation and fauna. The project had state and federal government planning approval.

Birdlife Australia’s Rebecca Boulton welcomed the decision to uphold the agreement, which has been in place since 1987. She said Whalers Way provides habitat for endangered bird species, including the mallee whipbird, for which the Eyre Peninsula is a stronghold. Conservation groups, including the Eyre Peninsula Environmental Protection Alliance, have opposed the proposal.

Southern Launch began rocket test launches at Whalers Way in 2021, when one attempt failed after a rocket caught fire. It has continued operating at the Koonibba Test Centre, where its most recent successful launch occurred in August in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation. Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula chief executive Ryan Viney said the board supported space-industry development while listening to community needs.

The state government has not said whether Environment Minister Emily Bourke will challenge the council’s decision. A government spokesperson said Southern Launch could return to the council if it changed its application. Southern Launch and the Native Vegetation Council were approached for comment.