Whalers Way - Endangered birds rocketed toward extinction

Countdown to extinction of Endangered birds as rocket launch Facility given the go-ahead

Whalers Way, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: A proposed rocket launch facility at South Australia’s Whalers Way has been given the go-ahead. BirdLife Australia believes the decision could propel endangered birds that live in the area toward extinction.

The decision by Tanya Plibersek to approve the facility will destroy over 23 hectares of habitat defined as “critical to the survival” of the Mallee Whipbird and Eyre Peninsula Southern Emu-Wren, both listed as Endangered under Australia’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. There are estimated to be as few as 750 Eyre Peninsula Southern Emu-wrens remaining, while Mallee Whipbirds are thought to be fewer than 2,000 in number.

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said the conditions placed on the project by the Environment Minister were not enough to mitigate serious negative impacts on the Endangered birds.

“The proposal by proponents Southern Launch presents a completely unacceptable risk to any birds in a 6km radius. These tiny birds hide when disturbed. They can’t and won’t fly away to escape the shock waves from a rocket launch. This could happen up to 36 times a year.”

BirdLife Australia is concerned by the dangerous precedent the decision sets for the approval of future projects in other areas defined as Critical Habitat for endangered species in Australia.

“This approval is yet another example that demonstrates how urgently we need the fundamental reforms to Australia’s nature laws that we’ve been promised,” Ms Millar said.

“The facility has been proposed to occur in an area that is protected under state legislation and defined as habitat critical for the survival of multiple species under the EPBC Act. It should not even be considered to proceed.

“We firmly believe there are alternate potential sites that have not been adequately considered.

“This is critical bush habitat that these birds need to survive, and this decision completely contradicts the federal government’s commitment to new extinctions in Australia.”  – BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar

BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au

Help protect critical habitat for birds

The Endangered emu-wrens and whipbirds that call Whalers Way home are one step closer to extinction, because Australia’s nature laws remain broken. You can help us save native Aussie birds.

Sign our petition calling on the Government to pass strong nature laws.