Approved And Ready For Launch

In the last week, politicians have been heading to the Bowen Orbital Spaceport for a close-up look at the magnificent Eris1 Rocket, which now stands proudly on the launch pad, almost ready for take-off.

In breaking news on February 19th from the ADM Space Summit in Canberra, Gilmour Space CEO unveiled a major milestone for the company:

"Gilmour Space has received the required airspace management approvals from CASA for Eris #Testflight1—a crucial step in our journey toward space. We are one step closer to launching and will be announcing the ‘No Earlier Than’ (NET) launch date/window soon," said the CEO.

Prior to this announcement, Mayor Ry Collins visited the site and was reminiscent of the journey it had taken for Gilmour Space to get to this point:

“It’s a surreal moment when I think back to standing on this very site five years ago—back when it was just a cow paddock.

“Former Mayor and now Federal Member Andrew Willcox MP, James and Adam Gilmour, and their team were dreaming big.

“And now, those dreams are turning into reality.”

“Standing beside this four-storey rocket, the gravity of this development—both for Gilmour Space Technologies and for the entire Whitsunday region—truly hits home.

“This isn’t just about one launch. It’s about an entirely new industry being established right here in Bowen. Planning is already underway for launches two, three, and beyond, ensuring a future filled with cutting-edge aerospace advancements.”

Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, also visited Eris 1 and expressed his excitement for the impending launch.

“Eris 1 is vertical, we are one step closer to a giant mission,” Andrew Willcox, MP stated.

“The technicians are putting the nozzles on the bottom end of the rocket.

“I can’t wait to see this bad boy blast off!”

Beyond the technological marvel, the economic impact on the Whitsunday region is enormous. The Bowen Orbital Spaceport is already injecting millions of dollars into the Whitsundays economy—creating jobs, attracting investment, and positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s space industry.

The ripple effects of this project will be felt for years, with opportunities for local businesses, training programs for young professionals, and a boost in tourism as people from across the country and the world take an interest in Bowen’s role in space exploration.

Mayor Ry Collins explains how this isn’t the only good news for Bowen. The Bowen Foreshore Masterplan is set to transform the waterfront into an even more vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. With improved facilities, enhanced public spaces, and a focus on tourism, this development will strengthen Bowen’s reputation as a premier coastal destination.

Adding to this momentum is the much-anticipated $68 million Bowen Jetty project funded by $50 million from the Queensland Government and $18 million from the government-owned port authority North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

As one of Bowen’s iconic landmarks, Mayor Ry Collins states that these improvements will not only preserve an important piece of our history but also enhance its usability for locals, tourists, and fishing enthusiasts. Together, these projects form part of our broader vision to ensure Bowen continues to thrive as a key economic and lifestyle hub in North Queensland.

“A huge thank you to Michelle Gilmour and the entire Gilmour Space Technologies team for your hospitality and insight during the tour of the facility,” Mayor Ry Collins stated.

“The excitement is truly building, and I know I’m not alone in saying that Bowen is ready for lift-off!”

1: Mayor Ry Collins with his wife Mel during the tour of the Spaceport

2: Andrew Willcox standing in front of Eris 1

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