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The ADF has released a revised aircraft noise map for the area surrounding RAAF Base Williamtown north of Newcastle for when the F-35 JSF enters service from 2017.
The map, which the ADF says promises an improved outlook for local residents, is still conceptual in nature but has been revised following consultations with state and local authorities, community groups and individuals.
“Williamtown is one of the RAAF’s key installations, and both it and the Salt Ash Weapons Range play a vital role in Australia’s defence,” Senator David Feeney, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence said in a statement.” The government is aware that aircraft noise is an issue for communities around Williamtown and Salt Ash, and will continue to work with local communities to reduce noise exposure as much as possible.”
“Following an accelerated review of Air Force’s proposed JSF training activities, Air Force announced earlier this year that it would halve the JSF’s projected use of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range,” added Deputy Chief of Air Force, AVM Geoff Brown. “A concept map released on 17 May 2010 resulted in a significantly reduced number of potentially affected properties around the Range. This latest concept map takes into account the reconfiguring of instrument approach systems and aircraft approaches to and from RAAF Base Williamtown.”
