The Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014 (the Rule) underpins the coexistence arrangements that seek to balance the interests of all users in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA). The WPA is a critical Defence site used for the testing of advanced and emerging Defence capabilities. It is also a place of national significance for Aboriginal cultural heritage, and home to pastoral and mining operations, while also hosting significant scientific and environmental research, prospecting and tourism.
The 2024 National Defence Strategy made clear that, in response to our deteriorating strategic circumstances, Australia – and in particular Defence – must accelerate capability development and acquisition, including of long range strike, and investment in emerging technologies.
Prior to the rule sunsetting on 1 October 2026, the Australian Government requested a review be undertaken to ensure the rule and supporting coexistence arrangements are fit-for-purpose. The scope of the review is set out in the Terms of Reference.
Review of WPA Coexistence Arrangements Terms of Reference (PDF, 540.58 KB)
Consultation
The review is seeking to engage with all WPA stakeholders to understand how the existing rule and coexistence framework serves their interests, and to ensure these views are heard and considered through the review process.
The review will be conducted with the support of Defence. It will include a comprehensive program of consultation with stakeholder groups with interests in the WPA and close engagement with the Government of South Australia.
Submissions
Those with an interest in the WPA coexistence framework were invited to provide written submissions to the review. Unless the submitter has requested otherwise, public submissions received by Defence can be found below.
List of Review Submissions - Woomera Prohibited Area (PDF, 14.84 MB)
Collection of personal information
Personal information collected through public submissions will be only used for:
- contacting the submitter for clarification of details
- confirming submitter consent to the publication of information
- seeking submitter feedback on the consultation process.
Defence will not use or disclose personal information without consent, unless authorised or required by law. For further information on how Defence will manage personal information, read the Defence Privacy Policy.