Mt. Buller Proposed BVLOS RPAS Operations - Update 17/04/2026

During the AVSEF consultation process, two stakeholders submitted feedback. Both stakeholders requested further information regarding the proposed BVLOS RPAS operations at Mount Buller. Meetings were subsequently held with both stakeholders to provide additional detail, clarify the scope of operations, and address questions related to the operational concept.

Decommissioning of Argyle aerodrome and VHF omnidirectional range / distance measuring equipment - Update July 2025

Please find the update below: 

Outcome:

Neither Airservices Australia nor Rio Tinto received any objections or feedback regarding the planned decommissioning of the Argyle Aerodrome and its associated navigation aids.

Rio Tinto will continue remediation and rehabilitation activities in the area, with full decommissioning of the aerodrome and all related navigation aids scheduled for 23 September 2025.

The final day of aerodrome operations will be Monday 22 September 2025.

Meteorological Data Collection Pilot - update 18 March 2025

Responses to submission:

WindBorne only received 1 response to the open consultation. We were contacted by a Staff Officer of Strategic Air Plans at the Directorate of Operations and Training Area Management Headquarters for the Department of Defence.  His questions related to how we were going to be managing restricted airspace.  I connected him with another Defence member who we had already been working with on this matter.  He found this satisfactory and has not asked for any further information.

Proposed TRA for the KRR Rocket Launch from Koonibba Test Range - Update 24/09/2024

Southern Launch would like to thank the Forum’s members for their engagement with this proposal. Please be advised that the Koonibba Rising Rocket launch has been delayed until early 2025 – resultantly, no airspace restrictions will be in place in November 2024.

The new launch window will be described in a follow-up AvSEF listing expected to be live for consultation before the end of the year. Please also refer to the Southern Launch website for the latest update on mission timings.

WB-2 Satellite Re-entry to the Koonibba Test Range - Update 27/08/2024

Southern Launch would like to thank the forum members for their engagement and feedback on the proposed airspace management solution for the WB-2 satellite return. The responses supported the layered temporary restricted area (TRA) and temporary danger area (TDA) solution and noted that the night-time return and limited activation window would result in no or minimal impact on routine operations.