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
Submissions to the review are invited from all WPA stakeholders and those with an interest in the WPA coexistence framework. Submissions may address one or more of the following themes:
- Access: What impact do existing access zones and exclusion periods have on your activities in the WPA? How do current access arrangements enable your interests? What improvements, if any, would you recommend to the existing access arrangements? What changes could be made to enhance outcomes for all stakeholders?
- Management: What impact do the existing management processes and practices have on your activities in the WPA? Which parts of the current management framework work well? How could management processes and/or practices be streamlined or updated to reduce red tape?
- Communication: How are you informed about activities within the WPA? Are there opportunities for changes, upgrades or improvements? As a stakeholder, how do you engage with other users of the WPA? What changes, if any, would you recommend to the current engagement mechanisms?
- Governance: What role should existing bodies (WPA Advisory Board, Commonwealth Government, etc) play in implementing the coexistence framework? What other mechanisms would be useful to inform the operation of the WPA coexistence framework? Submissions
Submissions are due by 5 pm (AEST) Friday 6 September 2024 via:
Email: woomera.review@defence.gov.au
Post:
Review of the Woomera Prohibited Area Coexistence Framework
C/- Strategic Policy
R1-1-A098
PO Box 7901
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Collection of personal information
Defence will collect personal information as part of this submission processes, including the contact details of submitters (such as name and email). Any personal information provided in submissions received 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.
Making submissions public
Submissions may be made public at the discretion of Defence, unless the submitter requested otherwise. Defence may not make submissions public for reasons associated with fairness and relevance. Submissions that are made public may also include redactions as Defence considers appropriate.
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 provides individuals with a legal right to request access to documents held by Government agencies. This includes submissions provided in response to this consultation process.