MORE CERTAINTY FOR HUNTER RESIDENTS

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today provided more certainty to Hunter residents about the future of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range.

"The use of the Range has long been a point of community contention. This is why I directed that the Range’s use be reviewed to determine whether it is essential for future Air Force training and operations,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Review found that while the Air Force continues to operate the F/A-18A/B Hornet, which could retire as early as 2018, the Range will remain an important element in air combat training and preparedness.

“I have directed Air Force to continue pursuing all realistic avenues to reduce the potential impact from use of the Range.

"The local residents now have visibility of both the duration and the anticipated frequency of use of the Range in the near–to–medium term,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

As Air Force looks to introduce the Joint Strike Fighter to replace the current Hornet fleet, the longer term use of the Range is being determined by separate environmental impact and training needs studies.

“While the studies will not be completed until next year, initial indications are that the introduction of the Joint Strike Fighter will lead to reduced Range usage. The new combat aircraft will make increasing use of advanced simulation in weapons training,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):         02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Christine Boyd (Electorate Office):                     0488 654 527