Environment — Southern Launch

Protecting our environment

Public safety and the environment are primary drivers for the space industry. Southern Launch abides by international, national legislation and protocols which have been developed over many decades.

Southern Launch will clean up and enhance the land in and around the Whalers Way Launch site.

Overall, the company has committed to improving the biodiversity of Whalers Way and generating a net environmental benefit for the site – creating space and protection for native species to thrive.

This strategy includes removing decades of dumped rubbish, sponsoring research to improve the lower Eyre Peninsula’s flora and fauna and implementing a weed, vermin and feral animal eradication program. We will also be reintroducing native vegetation and working to entice local raptors to once again nest along the coastline.

The company has also met a long list of environmental criteria with the conclusions being that projected impacts will be minimal, particularly to the listed bird species. As experienced internationally, a very short-term ‘startle’ effect will be experienced during the infrequent launches, with no long-term harm predicted.

The company is actively exploring ways to invest in and ensure its net positive impact on the local environment is upheld and expanded with several further projects ideas being assessed.

Working with local communities

The Whalers Way launch facility will have a positive impact on the local economy while not will not requiring any public beaches, amenities or public spaces to be closed at any point, ever.

Southern Launch will support and enhance local community enjoyment of the Whalers Way area, as well as cleaning up and improving the land that the site will operate on. The company will also enable local people to explore and enjoy the protected and enhanced biodiversity on the facility’s land and experience the excitement of witnessing orbital launches from the site.

During consultation, a majority of local community members supported the development and we are excited to be collaborating to bring regional development to the Eyre Peninsula.

Investing in conservation

Dr Diane Colombelli-Négrel and Flinders University Professor Sonia Kleindorfer (Photo: Flinders University)

Southern Launch has committed $180,000 to sponsor important research by Flinders University into the two species endemic to the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.

The lives of the endangered southern emu-wren and one of Australia’s smallest falcons the nankeen kestrel will be better understood thanks to this strategic research investment. Read more about the project.

Environmental Impact Survey

For detailed information about the Environmental Impact Survey (EIS) visit PlanSA.