South Australia Approves Rocket Launch Complex, Despite Environmental Concerns
South Australia's planning minister has granted final approval for the construction of a rocket launch complex on the Eyre Peninsula. The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, proposed by Adelaide-based space launch provider Southern Launch, has been in the works for five years and has faced significant opposition from environmental groups and some local residents.
The project received the green light from federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek earlier this week, and Planning Minister Nick Champion's approval was the final hurdle. Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp expressed excitement about the project, aiming to launch rockets from Whalers Way by the end of next year.
"We are so excited to be bringing space to South Australia," Damp said. "We've been able to demonstrate there is an environmental benefit to the area."
However, the project has drawn criticism from Greens SA Parliamentary Co-leader Tammy Franks, who believes the complex is in the wrong location and that environmental laws have failed. She plans to propose a select committee to investigate the implications of the decision.
Conservationists are concerned about the potential impact on endangered bird species, fire risk, and increased traffic. The project has been granted provisional development authorization subject to several conditions, including restrictions on the height of rockets, cultural heritage and native vegetation management, and the number of launches per year.
Federal Environment Minister Plibersek also imposed conditions, including noise restrictions. The project's future remains uncertain, with environmental concerns and opposition from some residents casting a shadow over its launch.