South Australian council blocks rocket site alteration on protected bird habitat

The short version

• South Australia's Native Vegetation Council rejected a request by Southern Launch to amend a heritage agreement covering a 23-hectare conservation site at Whalers Way.[The Guardian]
• The land is critical habitat for the endangered Eyre Peninsula southern emu-wren and 80% of the endangered mallee whipbird population.[The Guardian]
• The decision could halt plans for an orbital complex designed to host up to 42 rocket launches annually despite prior planning approvals.[The Guardian]
• Southern Launch may alter and resubmit its application to the council for further reconsideration.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The Native Vegetation Council rejected Southern Launch's application to amend a heritage agreement on private land at Whalers Way.[The Guardian]
• The 23-hectare site holds a covenant designed to protect native wildlife and habitat in perpetuity.[The Guardian]
• The habitat supports the endangered Eyre Peninsula southern emu-wren and 80% of the mallee whipbird population.[The Guardian]
• Southern Launch previously received state and federal planning approvals to host up to 42 launches annually at the orbital complex.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• ‘Hanging on by a thread’: 11th hour decision to protect endangered birds from SA space project plans welcomedThe Guardian - Environment