This was mainly due to fears that the site could prompt a nuclear attack on Australian soil, and antipathy towards the US alliance amongst the Australian political left. Political demonstrations were staged at the facility in 1989, 1991 and 1993.
The main factor behind this was the concern that the site might provoke a nuclear attack on Australian territory, along with anti-US sentiments among certain segments of the Australian left. The facility was the target of protests in 1989, 1991, and 1993.