Environmentalists call for independent review of Southern Launch site at Whalers Way

Opponents of Southern Launch’s Whalers Way suborbital rocket launch pad have called for an independent review of the site, as the first test was delayed.

Environmentalists have called for an independent review of the Whaler’s Way rocket launch site, as Southern Launch’s inaugural test was parked on Friday.

The first day of the 12-day testing period was marred by strong winds, forcing the first test launch to be postponed, allowing for activists to pitch their case as to why the natural heritage site is being considered for space exploration.

Nature Conservation Society South Australia’s Julia Peacock disputes Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp’s comments (below) that the project shows no real issues despite various ecological concerns raised in the released Environmental Impact Statement.

“Our organisation has been committed to the conservation and protection of areas like Whalers Way for a long time,” Ms Peacock said.

“The most direct impact that we can see are on the bird species at the site.”

Protesters greeted officials at the Whalers Way gate on Friday with a makeshift sign in hand.

Whalers Way entrance was blocked by police and security on Friday in anticipation of the launch.

The EIS was designed to address suspected environmental impacts in the area which the NCSSA and The Wilderness Society declare major threats, including the increased risk of fires.

“In the consultant‘s report, which is included in the EIS, they wrote, ‘in the first instance, it is recommended that avoidance of all critical habitat for Southern Emu-Wren is prioritised due to the low distribution and narrow band of habitat available’,” Ms Peacock said.

The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex is within habitats for the threatened Southern Emu-Wren and Western Whip bird which the NCSSA says are critically endangered.

Bird conservation groups Birds SA and Zoos SA support the findings according to the NCSSA.

Western Whip bird. Picture: Dion Thompson

“I know that we don‘t want to lose species,” Ms Peacock said.

“We know that the fabric of the natural environment works better when all the pieces are there, basically.”

The area also plays host to migrating Southern Right Whales with both mothers and calves spotted there in recent days.

“These are all the animals that will suffer a negative impact if this goes ahead,” said Ms Peacock.

CEO of the Conservation Council SA Craig Wilkins concurs.

“This area was named Whalers Way for a reason,” Mr Wilkins said.

“While an ‘exclusion zone’ has been created for boats for safety reasons in the waters adjacent to the launch pad, what about the safety of Southern Right Whales mothers and babies who could well be in the area.”

Ms Peacock has called for an independent review into the location, which is still out for public consultation.

Southern Right Whale mother and calf. Picture: Fran Solly @take_2_photography

“What’s needed is actually an independent review by somebody who doesn’t stand to benefit financially from the development to actually critique the location,” she said.
Sleaford resident David Farlam lives 10km from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and despite concerns for the future of his land, he is more concerned about marine and wildlife impacts.

“I’m concerned about the potential noise and debris and impact on sharks and southern bluefin tuna that aggregate in the area and the 11 species that are nationally and ICUN listed that either live or pass through that area on regular basis,” he said.

“Originally the Southern Launch proposal seemed quite reasonable with firing quite small rockets, delivering small satellites into space but now its grown into a completely different market, launching much larger rockets into a fragile ecosystem over threatened and endangered species.

“It’s quite ridiculous and they need to find another place to put it.”

Mr Farlam suggested shifting the platform several kilometres and constructing it on agricultural land.

The status of the proposed plans as well as the EIS are available for viewing on PlanSA.

Both NCSSA and Southern Launch has encouraged everyone to have their say before it concludes on Thursday, September 16.

“It‘s so very important that people put in their comments to the proposed developments, through the proper South Australian government process,” Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said.

“That’s the only way that people can show their support in a formal manner, or bring forward any areas where they want further information or clarification on the proposed development.”

Have your say at www.plan.sa.gov.au.

EARLIER: Southern Launch’s CEO has joined the state government in an effort to dispel misinformation shared on social media regarding the company’s orbital launch site.

CEO Lloyd Damp and state government stakeholders met with the community at an educational session at the Port Lincoln Hotel to quash any misinformation.

Lloyd Damp CEO Southern Launch

“We were very impressed by the number of people who took time out of their days to come in and engage with Southern Launch and the state government on the proposed project, so I‘m very thankful for that,” Mr Damp said.

Between 70 and 90 people attended each session where Mr Damp said the positive response from the community had him on the verge of tears.

“Issues were raised around water supplies” he said

“We were then approached by a local community member – a farmer from the area, who told us ‘Southern Launch, we really believe in what you‘re doing, the Taylors have raised a concern around water and I’m more than happy to provide you with water from my farm’, which is a great outcome.”

“There are other examples like this where the community are so supportive of what Southern Launch is trying to do that they want to become a part of the solution.”

An environmental-impact statement was created to address the development and was the main discussion point for many attendees on Tuesday.

The site of Southern Launch's Whalers Way orbital launch site. Picture: Supplied

Mr Damp says the 3500 page document outlines no major problems with the proposed project despite pushback from environmentalist groups about threatened bird species and Southern Right Whales.

He also acknowledged the dismay of some Eyre Peninsula residents who have gone as far as to protest against the anticipated launching site at Whalers Way.

While some resist the proposal, others are coming around to the idea, the economic boost and potential job opportunities it will bring to the region.

Landowners Ian and Penelope Taylor who spoke exclusively with Sunday Mail last week, plan on putting up a fight against the project.

The couple live in Fishery Bay, south of Port Lincoln, in an off-grid house on 30ha, and believe the launch site will ruin their peace and quiet. They are petitioning to have the project relocated or abandoned altogether.

Mr Damp acknowledged that the community is divided and encourages curious members to reach out with any questions surrounding the project.

“By the end of the second meeting there was actually quite a strong, resounding voice in support of Southern Launch so we were very, very pleased,” he said.

“At the end of the consultation, all the attendees actually applauded us – it was quite a humbling moment.”

Mr Damp encouraged all proponents to submit through the proper state government channels to bring forward any information or clarification.

Three test launches have already been approved for trial and pending their success, a permanent site may be established at Whalers Way.

Have your say at www.plan.sa.gov.au.