Consultation closing – Talisman Sabre Public Environment Report

The draft Public Environment Report for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013 was released for comment on 24 September 2012 and the period of public consultation is set to close on Friday, 26 October 2012.

Exercise Talisman Sabre is held every two years and is the largest combined air, land and sea military training exercise regularly undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Its primary aim is to improve training and interoperability between the Australian and United States armed forces.

The draft Public Environment Report has been prepared to inform Defence, the Australian public and relevant stakeholders of potential environmental and heritage issues relating to the conduct of Talisman  Sabre 2013 from 15 July to 6 August 2013.

All interested community members are encouraged to view the draft Public Environment Report and provide feedback during the public consultation period until 26 October 2012. Copies of the draft report as well as supporting fact sheets are available at local libraries and at www.aurecongroup.com/talismansabre2013

Feedback on the draft report can be provided by contacting the project team on 1800 724 862, by reply paid mail or online. Feedback received will be used by Defence to inform the final Public Environment Report.

Key activity sites for the 2013 exercise include:

• Waters in the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.
• Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central Queensland.
• Townsville Field Training Area, RAAF Base Townsville and the Cowley Beach Training Area in north Queensland.
• Delamere Range Facility, Bradshaw Field Training Area and Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory may also be used

Support activities will also be undertaken at Rockhampton and Gladstone; at port facilities in Queensland and the Northern Territory, including the Port of Cairns, Port of Townsville, Port Alma, Port of Gladstone and Port of Brisbane; at RAAF bases in Darwin, Tindal, Townsville, Amberley, Williamtown and Richmond.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999