Southern Launch had sought to have the heritage agreement officially amended so it could build a complex offering space mission services on land it leases privately, about 30 kilometres from Port Lincoln. However, the Native Vegetation Council rejected the motion because the proposed site is a recognised conservation area for native vegetation and fauna.
Rebecca Boulton from Birdlife Australia welcomed the upholding of the heritage agreement, which has been in place since 1987. She said Whalers Way is home to two endangered bird species, including the mallee whipbird, and described the Eyre Peninsula as the stronghold for that species.
Southern Launch began rocket test launching at Whalers Way in 2021, with one attempt failing after the rocket caught fire. The company has since continued operations at its other facility, the Koonibba Test Centre, further up the west coast of Eyre Peninsula. The most recent successful rocket launch occurred at Koonibba in August this year, in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
The company's bid has faced ongoing opposition from conservation groups, including the local Eyre Peninsula Environmental Protection Alliance. Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula (RDAEP) CEO Ryan Viney said the board had been supportive of the development of the space industry across the peninsula but stressed the importance of listening to "the needs and aspirations of the community" when taking a "balanced approach to whether the development progresses or not."
The rejection leaves the future of the Whalers Way facility uncertain, though Southern Launch continues to operate its Koonibba site.