As a result of concerns raised by Adelaide Plains Council residents relating to activities at Port Wakefield Proof and Experimental Establishment, a presentation by the Defence Department and related discussion will be held at an APC meeting this month.

Port Wakefield Proof and Experimental Establishment is situated around 40 kilometres to the north of Thompson Beach by road. The multiple thundering sounds emanating from the area that can be clearly heard (and subsequent window-rattling) in Thompson Beach is the result of activity at the facility – the lobbing of artillery shells into Gulf St. Vincent. Aside from unsettling some residents, the impacts of the activity on the immediate and wider environment have been questioned.

Recent exercises associated with the facility also saw beach access in Thompson Beach, Webb Beach and Port Parham restricted; much to the surprise of residents given the lack of suitable notification.

According to Parham News, the public are welcome to attend the upcoming meeting, but will not be able to actively participate in the discussion.

“If you are concerned about Proof Range activities you are encouraged to attend both to find out more about what is happening, and to demonstrate your concern. A packed gallery of interested persons will send a significant message about concerns to all present”.

Questions from the public for the Defence Department can be submitted via elected Council members, whose contact details can be found here. For Thompson Beach residents, the Mallala Dublin Ward Councillors are Cr John Lush  and Cr Marcus Strudwicke.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th January 2020 in the Council Chamber on Redbanks Road Mallala and commences at 6pm.