Overview
The Woomera Prohibited Area Rules 2026 is a legislative instrument made under the Defence Act 1903 and administered by the Department of Defence. It was registered on 7 August 2026 and replaces the Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014, which is repealed by Schedule 6 of the new rules.
What the rules cover
The rules govern who can enter the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia. The area is divided into three zones - red, amber, and green - each with different access rules.
Transition period
A transition period runs from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026. During this period, existing permits, permissions, and accrued demerit points carry over under specific provisions set out in Part 12 (sections 70-79) of the new rules.
Zone and permit structure
The new rules include:
- Standing permissions for access to roads, railways, and Woomera Village within the area, set out in Part 3 (sections 18-19).
- A standing permission for Defence contractors, set out in Part 3 (section 20).
- Permit application requirements for businesses needing new access, set out in Part 4, Division 2 (sections 25-33).
Key actions
- Businesses that hold a permit under the old Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014 can check how permits, authorisations, and accrued demerit points are treated under the transition provisions in Part 12 (sections 70-79) of the new rules at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01039.
- Defence contractors operating in the Woomera Prohibited Area can review the standing permission in Part 3 (section 20) of the new rules at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01039.
- Businesses that need to apply for a new permit to access the area can review the permit application requirements in Part 4, Division 2 (sections 25-33) at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01039.
- Businesses that rely on access to roads, railways, or Woomera Village within the area can check the standing permissions in Part 3 (sections 18-19) to confirm whether that access is covered without a permit at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01039.
- A legislative alert for this instrument can be set up on the Federal Register of Legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01039 to receive updates if the rules are amended.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.