Environmental impact minimal

Hard yakka: Soldiers from 3RAR taking part in Ex Talisman Sabre begin a long walk in SWBTA. The protection of the environment was a concern to both Australian and US forces. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson

By PO Charles A. Isom, Jr, US Navy Public Affairs

IMPACT to the SWBTA environment by US and Australian military forces was minimal during Exercise Talisman Sabre, thanks to special instruction on the unique environment.

SWBTA covers 667,182 acres of land, and in addition to the omnipresent kangaroo, the region harbours six species of sea turtles and has the largest population of endangered dugongs in Australia.

Head Combined Damage Control and Environmental Monitoring Group, Col Mike Goodyer said protection of nature and prevention of environmental damage of SWBTA was of paramount importance during the exercise.

He said that if the area was not looked after, the ADF would lose the ability to train at the bay.

“If in fact the area is treated disrespectfully, the Australian people will take their fight to the gates of the military bases,” Col Goodyer said.

“Any incident would cause a hard look at future operations and the result would make further restrictions mandatory.”

Balancing the cultural and environmental concerns of the populace with the need to train military forces is of great importance, according to Col Goodyer.

Shoalwater Bay is the only place in Australia where air, land and sea forces can engage in joint, live-fire training exercises. But before any soldier, sailor, airman or marine sets foot onto the massive range, approvals from the Government must be granted. All units are briefed and become completely familiar with the pristine area’s natural resources.

“SWBTA was purchased by the Australian Government in 1965 for military training and it is viewed as a national treasure by the Australian people,” said Leanne Sommer, senior environmental adviser to the ADF in south Queensland.”

Talisman Sabre was monitored by Australian and American agencies to ensure that the military forces did what they were supposed to do to safeguard natural resources.

Ms Sommer said a new environmental training centre was scheduled to be completed before Talisman Sabre 07. Presentations at the new centre will enhance overall awareness of Shoalwater Bay’s environmental concerns.

Australia’s general public is savvy about military alliances and are watchful of increased US presence off the coast of Australia. Protection of Australian soil and waters is something that resonates within this natureloving nation, Ms Sommer said.

“The Australian people and Government want the area left exactly like the troops found it,” said Cmdr Mark Deibert, a US Pacific Command environmental representative monitoring alongside the Australians during the exercise.

“It is not surprising to show concern about Australia’s environment because we face those same requirements back in the US.

“But you can balance training with the environment while practising the skills our forces need to survive in real-world contingencies.”

For more on the US perspective on Exercise Talisman Sabre 05 visit the web site http://www.c7f.navy.mil/ts05/index.htm