DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 489/10
Monday, 18 October 2010
Evans Head submission period a great success
Air Force has commended the people of Evans Head for their part in the success of the
public submission period into activation times of the Evans Head Air Weapons Range.
Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld, said the submission
period, which was open for four weeks from mid-August, was a great success.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the submission period, which has provided Air
Force with great insight into when waterways users are most active in the Defence
Practice Area off Evans Head,” AIRCDRE Hupfeld said.
“It has been a great demonstration of the way in which Air Force and the community can
work together and it reinforces the positive relationship we enjoy with the people of
Evans Head.”
While the number of respondents was relatively small, the information provided was very
valuable to Air Force.
“It means we can go forward with our planning for Super Hornet operations on the range
in a way that causes the least possible disruption to the community,” AIRCDRE Hupfeld
said.
Overall, 12 respondents provided submissions to help inform the development of the
range activation calendar should Super Hornet operations be approved at Evans Head by
the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.
While activation times will be refined as the range planning progresses, current
recommendations are for strafing runs to be scheduled between the hours of 1pm and 4pm
on weekdays outside of NSW and QLD school holidays, public holidays and major
fishing events.
AIRCDRE Hupfeld said the range would be activated for periods of approximately one
hour, twice a day for around eight weeks of the year.
“This submission period represents the beginning of Air Force’s consultation with the
community regarding its future use of Evans Head range,” AIRCDRE Hupfeld said.
“I look forward to speaking with more local people as our range review progresses and
opportunities for further input into the process will be announced as they are scheduled.”
For more information on Air Force’s use of Evans Head Air Weapons Range go to
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
