Access to the Woomera Prohibited Area

Pastoral lease holders in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) may be given permission to access the area under Defence Force Regulations 1952 (as preserved by Regulation 87 of the Defence Regulation 2016).

Pastoral lease holders have obligations to:

• hold permission under the Defence Force Regulations 1952 (as preserved by Regulation 87 of the Defence Regulation 2016)
• record details of visitors
• seek permission to operate certain equipment
• advise Defence of any incidents for the purposes of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
• notify Defence of an intention to sell or transfer a pastoral lease
• discuss evacuation and any anticipated compensation claims with Defence.

Permission to access the the WPA may be suspended for safety and security during periods of Defence use. In that event, individuals will be issued with a formal notice of access suspension detailing obligations to evacuate pastoral lease.

Individuals may be able to claim compensation for loss or damage arising from Defence testing.

Pastoral lease holders may also have obligations under state legislation.

Please contact the WPA Coordination Office if you intend to acquire a pastoral lease:
call 1300 727 420, or email wpaco@defence.gov.au