The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
The Hon Stephen Smith MP
Mr Smith’s Office: Mary Bagnall 0434 665 067
Mr Ferguson’s Office: Fiona Scott 0457 542 330
Defence Public Affairs: (02) 6127 1999
MEDIA RELEASE
Stephen Smith MP
Martin Ferguson AM MP
Minister for Defence
Minister for Resources and Energy
M E D I A R E L E A S E
5 November 2010
Government Review of the Woomera Prohibited Area
Interim Report Released
Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson today released
the Interim Report of the Government Review of the Woomera Prohibited Area.
The Review was commissioned by the Government in May this year and is led by Dr Allan Hawke AC.
The Review process has involved extensive stakeholder consultation, including with representatives from
Defence, the South Australian Government, the minerals and petroleum resources industry,
Indigenous groups, pastoralists and environmental groups. Twenty-five public submissions were made to
the Review.
The Interim Report contains an analysis of key findings from those consultations and public submissions.
The Review found there is scope to increase the national value of the Woomera Prohibited Area and has
put forward a model that could promote better management of the national security and economic interests
in this unique area of South Australia.
“The Government has acknowledged the national security and economic significance of the
Woomera Prohibited Area and welcomes the Interim Report as a vehicle to enhance the coexistence of two
important national priorities,” said Mr Smith.
The Interim Report proposes a coexistence model that will promote greater transparency and certainty for
all interested in operating in the Woomera Prohibited Area. The coexistence model sees Defence continue
to conduct its test and evaluation activities to meet its requirements now and into the future.
The importance of the Woomera Prohibited Area for developing and maintaining Australia’s military
capability is recognised and the Interim Report proposes a core area for Defence use. The model also
proposes a time-share arrangement between Defence and non-Defence users in other areas of the
Woomera Prohibited Area. That would facilitate resources industry access to specific areas of the Woomera
Prohibited Area for set periods of time.
“The Woomera Prohibited Area has significant mineral and petroleum resource potential. Facilitating
access to these resources would provide greater certainty to the resources industry and its potential
investors,” said Mr Ferguson.
Public comment on the Interim Report closes in early December. Consultation on the proposed
coexistence model outlined in the Interim Report will inform the final report on the long-term management
of coexistence in the Woomera Prohibited Area. Dr Hawke will present his final report to the Government
by the end of the year, which the Government will then consider.
Page 2
Mr Smith’s Office: Mary Bagnall (02) 6277 7800
Mr Rudd’s Office: Kate Sieper (02) 6277 7500 or 0466 745 615
Department: (02) 6127 1999 (Defence) or (02) 6261 1555 (DFAT)
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