What will all this mean for the local community?

There will be approximately 47 aircraft from RAAF Amberley and RAAF Williamtown taking part in the exercise, supported by a wide range of Air Force services.

Local communities surrounding RAAF Amberley and RAAF Williamtown may notice an increase in aircraft activity at these bases during the exercise that runs from Wednesday 26th October to Wednesday 9th November.

The majority of exercise flying will be conducted in the East Coast military training area over water off the central coast of New South Wales.

What environmental responsibilities does Defence have with this exercise?

Minimising impact on the environment is a responsibility that Defence takes seriously and has been taken into account when planning for this Exercise. An Environmental Compliance Certificate has been developed for the exercise.

Air Force is taking every possible measure to minimise the impact of ECADEX 05 on local communities and appreciates the continued strong support of the communities surrounding Williamtown and Amberley while we undertake these very important training activities.

Air Force has committed itself to cease flying activities by 10pm each day of the exercise, except for a necessary 48-hour flying window on 7th and 8th November. There may be normal military flying around these times, including on Saturdays and Sundays, in support of other activities but this will not be part of ECADEX.

Air Force is committed to taking noise reduction measures including:

• conducting the majority of the exercise (where possible) over water;
• designing take-off and landing profiles to minimise noise; and
• ensuring that specific target training with Army ground-based defence batteries are located in remote areas away from RAAF Williamtown.

Members of the public can contact the toll free exercise hotline if they have any questions about the East Coast Air Defence Exercise. The hotline number is 1800 033 200.