Letter to the Editor- July 2025

Dear Mr Cetta, 

The Eyre Peninsula Environmental Protection Alliance (EPEPA) remains concerned about environmental, social and economic impacts of the planned rocket launching facility at Whalers Way. The front page article (Port Lincoln Times, 10.7.25) reported on information provided by Southern Launch at the recent so-called stakeholder sessions.  These sessions in early July were not open. Rather, interested community members were required to request an invitation from Southern Launch.  A prepared presentation was delivered, and no views or questions were sought. Southern Launch presented largely regarding their “hopes” for the development, as opposed to reliable, concrete information and details about what is planned. Exploration of some issues raised is sorely needed. CEO Lloyd Damp mentioned “a couple of other variables” that must be addressed before work can commence at Whalers Way.  Notably, Mr Damp spoke of State and Federal government approvals for the project, but he did not divulge or address the many conditions that must be met before project commencement.   These approvals are provisional, meaning that significant other consultations, operational and construction plans, and Native Vegetation Council approval have yet to be finalised. If these matters are not completed, there are no approvals, and no work can proceed at the site. He also did not mention that there is a long-standing Heritage Agreement on the site, which exists to protect the ecological values of the site, forever. EPEPA’s concerns include questions about possible costs to the community related to road infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, traffic management, fire management, waste minimisation and disposal, and managing public safety during launches. Importantly, there is no indication that any financial guarantee or security is in place should the project or business fail or cease. Who would then bear the cost of the eventual clean-up of the site? There is a risk of it becoming degraded and derelict. Further, it remains unclear what water allocation will be provided to the project, what will be the impacts on local tourism and our ‘clean/green’ marketing image, if the public will be denied access or evacuated from nearby areas and properties on launch days, and what insurance against risk or damage to people or property is in place. Mr Damp speaks of having conducted public consultations and of the intention to establish a project reference group.  It is entirely unclear how these consultations will be conducted, and how the reference group will be formed.  There are very few details and reliable assurances to date.  EPEPA is very keen to see just how the community will be engaged, consulted and informed on an ongoing basis. There is so much to lose should this project go wrong.

Yours sincerely,

EPEPA chairperson