THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Monday, 14 December 2009
126/2009
DEFENCE LISTENS TO THE COMMUNITY
The Final Public Environment Report on Super Hornet flying operations at
RAAF Base Amberley has been submitted to the Department of the
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts for assessment.
“Following feedback collected during the consultation process from the local
community Defence will implement additional measures to further reduce the
impact of Super Hornet operations at RAAF Amberley,” said Mr Combet.
“In response to concerns about aircraft noise, Defence will increase the
height that Super Hornets will transit to and from training areas off the coast
of Brisbane to reduce the impacts over the western suburbs.”
“To lessen the impact of night-time activities on the suburbs surrounding
RAAF Base Amberley, Defence has placed further planning restrictions on
night operations. Night flying will be planned to end by 11pm, with no
continuous circuits after 10pm.”
“Once the full complement of Super Hornets has arrived in 2012, Defence will
conduct a review of Super Hornet flying operations. This review will compare
actual flight paths and noise levels with those predicted in the Public
Environment Report,” Mr Combet said.
“Defence will continue to make every effort to manage the impact of aircraft
noise on the local community.”
The Minister for the Environment’s decision on the introduction of the Super
Hornet at RAAF Amberley is expected early next year.
On current planning the first four of Australia’s Super Hornets will arrive at
RAAF Base Amberley in March/April 2010. The remaining aircraft will be
progressively introduced throughout the remainder of 2010 and 2011.
Media Note:
RAAF Super Hornet images are available at:
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
