On 8 May 2026, the Australian Government released the Government response to the independent review of the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Coexistence Framework (the Review).

The Review’s terms of reference required the lead reviewer, Ms Rebecca Skinner PSM, to review WPA coexistence arrangements to ensure they remained fit for purpose in a deteriorating strategic environment, and make recommendations balancing national security, economic and cultural perspectives.

Consultation

The Review undertook consultation with WPA stakeholders including First Nations groups, the pastoralist sector, the resources sector, the railway sector, the Commonwealth and South Australian governments, the WPA Advisory Board, and communities near the WPA.

The public submissions received during the Review are available in the Resources section below.

Government response

The Australian Government welcomes the findings of the 2025 independent review of the Woomera Prohibited Area coexistence framework.

The Australian Government accepted all 19 of the review’s recommendations; 17 are accepted in full and 2, which require additional steps for implementation, have been accepted in-principle.

Implementation

The Review’s recommendations will inform remaking of the Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014 and reforms to modernise the coexistence framework.

Defence will work closely with all stakeholders as it implements the reforms.

Resources

Independent review of the Woomera Prohibited Area Coexistence Framework (PDF, 1.96 MB)

Government response to the Review (PDF, 221.23 KB)

Review of the WPA Coexistence Framework Terms of Reference (PDF, 540.58 KB)

List of Review Submissions - Woomera Prohibited Area (PDF, 32.28 MB)