Whalers Way orbital launch complex receives final planning approvals

South Australia’s Planning Minister has given the final government approval needed for a proposed missile launch complex on Eyre Peninsula.

The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex has been under construction for the past five years and has attracted significant opposition from environmental groups and some residents, with a number of protests taking place.

Coastal scene with road in foreground, ocean and headlands to left and green to right, with rocket, buildings seen in distance — Southern Launch says Whalers Way has stable year-round weather and low sea and air traffic. (ABC Eyre Peninsula: Jodie Hamilton)

Planning Minister Nick Champion’s approval was the latest hurdle for Adelaide-based space launch provider Southern Launch’s project.

The company’s chief executive, Lloyd Damp, said it wants to launch rockets from Whalers Way by the end of next year.

“We are so excited to bring the space to South Australia,” he said.

“I’m glad that we were able to go through everything in a structured process and that we are able to demonstrate that the area has an environmental benefit.

Smiling bald man in hi-vis jacket standing in front of rocket in background — Lloyd Damp plans to launch rockets from Whalers Way next year. (ABC Eyre Peninsula: Jodie Hamilton)

“Our plan is that once we understand all the conditions, we will aim to have the site operational for the first launch by the end of next year.”

The state’s approval comes a week after federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek gave the green light to the proposal on environmental grounds.

“Wrong place for space”

Greens SA parliamentary co-leader Tammy Franks has been a vocal opponent of the complex.

She said she was disappointed by the decision and wanted a commission to look into its implications.

“This is the wrong place for the space,” she said.

“Do we really want to move forward with a space industry without proper planning and protection?

“It just shows that environmental laws have failed and our planning laws are lacking.

“I will be putting to a vote in parliament in the coming weeks my proposal for a select committee to look at the implications of this decision for the state.”

A rocket prepares for liftoff in a dusty red paddock — Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range hosted the launch of the HyImpulse SR75 rocket in May. (Provided by: Australian Space Agency)

Environmentalists are concerned that the missile launches will endanger 12 species of birds, including the endangered Southern Emu-wren, whose population is fewer than 750.

There are also concerns about fire risk and the environmental impact of increased traffic.

In a statement, Mr Champion said the project had been granted provisional development consent, subject to a number of conditions.

A man in a suit and tie looks off to the side. — Nick Champion says there are strict conditions attached to his approval. (ABC News: Justin Hewitson)

“The provisional development consent also requires substantial works to commence on the site within two years and construction to be completed within five years,” he said.

Mr. Champion’s conditions limit the height of rockets to be launched at the site to a maximum of 30 meters.

There are conditions regarding cultural heritage and native vegetation management.

launching the rocket into a dry dusty paddock — The SR75 rocket was successfully launched from the Koonibba test range. (Provided by: Southern Launch)

The conditions also specify that there will be no more than 36 orbital launches per year and another six suborbital.

Ms Plibersek approved the facility with 59 conditions, including that noise be limited to less than 130 decibels measured 60 meters from the launch pad.