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Nigel
Meadows
Australian Defence Force
Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23) is a major military activity in the Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay Area, conducted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). From 29 August - 20 October 2023 there will be increased military flying activities in the area.
The issue
XWB 23 is a Republic of Singapore Defence Force exercise with participation of the Singapore Navy, Army and Air Force.The exercise will be confined to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from 29 August – 20 October 2023.
The air component will be operating in and out of Rockhampton (YBRK). Consequently, there will be more arrivals, departures and low-level air traffic in the airspace between Rockhampton airport and SWBTA during this period.
Purpose
This notice seeks to advise members of annual training in the SWBTA conducted by the Republic of Singapore Defence Force and to advise members of increased military air traffic operations at YBRK.
The RSAF will be operating F-16, C130, AH-64D Apache and CH-47D Chinook aircraft. Their tracks to and from SWBTA are:
- rotary wing: OUT YBRK, Parkhurst (PRKH), the Glen airfield (YGEN) A025. RTN YGEN, PRKH, YBRK A030
- fixed wing: (C130) OUT, YBRK Mt WALLACE way point S23 19.1 E149 58.7 RK268027; MAGNESITE MINE (MAS)/waypoint S22 53.2 E150 11.4 RK338034, A030, RTN THE GLEN/waypoint S22 49.6 E 150 20.1 YBRK A040
- fighter Aircraft: (F16) OUT, YBRK DCT SWBTA - A100. RTN THE GLEN DCT YBRK F110.
The activity is planned for 29 August – 20 October 2023 inclusive.
Activation of the SWBTA airspace will be by through daily NOTAMs. This will include promulgation on the level of airspace activation depending on military activities.
Clearances for non-exercise aircraft are subject to delay, although efforts will be made to minimise delays where possible. Medical, Emergency, Mercy, Search and Rescue and Customs/Coast watch flights will receive priority clearances.
Non-exercise aircraft requesting clearances during exercise operations should contact the Australian Defence Force Liaison Officer (ADFLO) on 0477 320 629.
A minimum of 24 hours prior notice is required for planned flights. A proforma with clearance with block time, levels and any other requirements will be emailed/faxed to pilot.
If unable to comply with this clearance, the ADFLO must be informed prior to departure.
RSAF parking and procedures at YBRK will be articulated in aeronautical information package supplements.