Southern Launch Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex on SA’s Eyre Peninsula clears final hurdle

As many as 42 rockets per year could soon be lifting off from South Australia. But critics say that’s “incredibly disappointing”.

As many as 42 rockets a year could blast off from 2025 at Whalers Way at the foot of Eyre Peninsula after Southern Launch cleared the final regulatory hurdle to build its spaceport.

The state government has granted planning approval for Southern Launch to construct its Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, with the first rockets expected to lift-off late next year.

The state government’s decision follows federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek signing off on environmental approvals last week.

Southern Launch chief executive Lloyd Damp said Whalers Way would attract international space companies to South Australia.

“Access to space is critical for humanity with many existing launch sites operating near capacity,’’ Mr Damp said.

AT Space rocket at the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.

“The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex enables rapid access to orbit thanks to our good year-round weather and low sea and air traffic.’’

However, the project also has its critics, with the Australian Conservation Foundation nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers calling the granting of environmental approval “an incredibly disappointing decision that flies in the face of the government’s commitment to zero new extinctions’’.

“There are believed to be only about 750 Eyre Peninsula Southern Emu-wrens left in existence and an important population of this endangered subspecies is directly in the path of Whalers Way,’’ she said.

“The bulldozing of the emu-wrens’ coastal heath home, not to mention the shockwaves, noise pollution and potential rocket fuel fires could push this beautiful little bird even closer to extinction.’’

Treasurer and state defence minister Stephen Mullighan. Picture: Mark Brake

State defence minister Stephen Mullighan said the Southern Launch facility would see “neglected land around the launch site enhanced and protected’’.

“Dumped rubbish will be cleared, while a weed, vermin and feral animal eradication program will restore the land to its natural state and protect native birdlife,’’ he said.

Mr Mullighan also said the project would bring “huge investment in the region, providing a boost for the local economy and creating ongoing jobs for the community’’

Southern Launch will build two launch pads at Whalers Way and will be the company’s second spaceport following its Koonibba facility which is 470km north west from the new site.