THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Thursday, 17 December 2009
130/2009
JSF SCARE CAMPAIGN IRRESPONSIBLE
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said today that
consultation about the environmental impact of the new Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
was already underway, almost a decade ahead of the aircraft’s arrival at RAAF
Williamtown.
Mr Combet said that Defence was conducting community consultation about the JSF
in the Williamtown area as part of the preparation of a Public Environment Report
(PER).
“Accusations made by the Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, that Defence is not
listening to community concerns about the JSF are completely unfounded,” Mr
Combet said.
“Defence is a decade out from introducing the JSF to RAAF Williamtown and is
already considering additional measures to minimise the environmental impact of the
aircraft.
“These measures include minimising the use of afterburner take-off, greater use of
simulation for training and reduced air weapons range use.
“Defence is also already looking into options for JSF flight paths, and how it can
revise flight profiles such as track changes, noise abatement profiles, limiting late
night flying or flying during sensitive periods, and minimizing over-flying of heavily
populated areas.”
Mr Combet said that the Member for Paterson’s comments were undermining
confidence in RAAF Base Williamtown.
"Bob Baldwin is ill-informed and is putting at risk investor and community confidence
in RAAF Base Williamtown,” Mr Combet said.
"Defence is pro-actively consulting the community about noise issues years in
advance of the aircraft arriving in the region.
“I am very aware of community concern about the environment around bases. The
community has expressed their interest in this project, 200 residents attended public
information sessions and 70 formal submissions were received during the PER
process. We are listening to the community, and we are taking their concerns very
seriously.
“With a completed PER process and a clear understanding of community concerns,
we will be able to clearly assess and mitigate the impact as best we can, well before
the aircraft commence their operational service in Australia,” Mr Combet said.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
