Protesters claim Southern Launch never informed public about weapons testing at Whalers Way rocket testing site
Protesters have gathered at a coastal tourist site claiming a South Australian space start-up is “lying through their teeth” about potential weapons testing.
Port Lincoln
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Protesters have taken to an Eyre Peninsula lookout to demand a space start-up keeps its “hands off our coast” amid fresh claims the land could be used for weapon and defence testing.
Around the 180 people armed with signs protested Adelaide-based Southern Launch’s use of Whalers Way and Koonibba near Port Lincoln on Sunday.
Triggered by an article published by The Australian, the Eyre Peninsula Environmental Protection Alliance has raised fears the sites could be used to test “Thales’s advanced rocket motors and guided munitions”.
The EPEPA claims Southern Launch had failed to mention its defence relationships and had “misled” the public in relation to its intentions for the sites.
“They (Southern Launch) are lying through their teeth,” founding member Richard Lloyd said.
“They’re putting our lives, environment and security at risk – we’re taking all the risk and they’re taking all the money.”
Protesters continued to object to rocket testing at one of Port Lincoln’s most prominent tourist locations with EPEPA founding member Angela Hearn saying it had “long been suspecting” weapon testing would take place at the site.
“Southern Launch never mentioned at the community information session that they would be taking defence contracts,” Mrs Hearn said.
“How do we trust Southern Launch when so far, in the space of several months, we have multiple examples and irrefutable proof that they will not tell us the truth, that they will manipulate the facts and leave out details to suit themselves.
“They don’t care about us, or our environment, or our town, they are here for one reason only – money.”
Mrs Hearn said previous testing attempts has caused environmental damage through fire, created a severe bushfire risk and directly impacted various flora and fauna species.
Southern Launch chief executive Lloyd Damp addressed the allegations in a statement.
“Consistent with what we have always said, Southern Launch is proud to undertake work for both civilian and defence clients,” Mr Damp said.
“Southern Launch is not contracted or licensed to launch missiles from either Koonibba or Whalers Way facilities.
“Southern Launch is not seeking any approvals for defence missiles under the Defence Act.”
Despite retiring the Hapith I rocket after multiple failed attempts, the company still has the remainder of 2021 to test two further rockets at Whalers Way and gather data on the environmental impact.
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