The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will conduct training in the Perth and greater Bunbury areas of Western Australia from mid-to-late November 2020.
Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters will support the training, providing locals with the chance to see Army helicopters in action.
The activity is part of regular, scheduled training and is designed to ensure the ADF personnel are operating at the highest level of capacity to respond, where required, to support Australia’s national interests. It will also provide ADF personnel with realistic training environments.
Australian Army officer Brigadier Craig Shortt said ADF personnel were looking forward to the opportunity to train in Western Australia.
“Defence does not get the opportunity to train in Perth and Bunbury very often. We are looking forward to using the facilities in the area to assist our helicopter crews and personnel with developing world-class military capability,” Brigadier Shortt said.
“We acknowledge these activities may result in some noise disturbance for Bunbury residents and some smaller communities in the South-West. Defence is working closely with local Western Australian police and councils to ensure residents are aware of the training, which will be conducted during the day and at night.”
The public should not be alarmed if they see or hear military helicopters, vehicles and military personnel carrying weapons. No ammunition will be used during the training.
People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat.
All ADF personnel participating in the training will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before commencing the training.
“Defence will not take any risks with the health of West Australians. For everybody’s safety we ask that if you see or hear the training, please maintain your distance.
“I would like to thank the people of Perth and Bunbury for welcoming us into their community,” Brigadier Shortt said.
Defence is unable to provide further information regarding this training in order to protect operational tactics, techniques and procedures.
