Northern Queensland Exercise Period 2025

On this page

    Closed consultation
    QLD
    Start 21/08/2025
    AEST 10:00
    End 04/09/2025
    AEST 17:00

    Submit feedback to

    SO3 Airspace Plans  Joint Airspace Control Cell
    Royal Australian Air Force
    adf.airspace@defence.gov.au

    UPDATE:
    Dates have been amended to 17 Nov – 27 Nov 2025 for the period of the TRA activation and 17 Nov – 10 Dec 2025 for the Exercise Period.

    The Joint Airspace Control Cell (JACC) is requesting feedback on proposed Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs) and procedures for the Northern Queensland Exercise Period 2025 (NQEP 25), extension to R737 extant Special Use Airspace (SUA).

    The issue

    This proposal notes the following key issues: 

    • Activation of proposed TRA 'MESA' and TRA 'VERDE' to extend R737 on a temporary basis prior to a permanent restricted area amendment on 27 November 2025.
    • No additional air routes are affected beyond those already affected by R737 activation.
    • Airspace is designed to remain clear of air routes W387.
    • Conditional status of TRA will be RA2.

    Purpose

    Elements of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will be conducting Northern Queensland Military Exercise (NQLD MILEX) from 17 Nov - 10 Dec 2025.

    Two Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs) are proposed to safely separate civil aircraft from fast jet activities over the period 17 - 27 Nov 25.

    Proposal

    Townsville Field Training Area

    Two TRAs are proposed to support fast jet operations out of RAAF Base Townsville, Qld. Timings will be promulgated by Aeronautical Information Publication Supplement (AIP Sup) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

    Diversion Routes

    Extant diversion routes for R737 (outlined in En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) are not affected by TRA 'MESA' or TRA 'VERDE'.
    Access to TRA 'MESA' and TRA 'VERDE'
    During NOTAM activation periods, access to TRA 'MESA' and TRA 'VERDE' by non-exercise aircraft will not be available except in cases of a declared emergency, radio failure or participating in activities for the preservation of life and property (SAR, MED, POL or FFR).

    YBBB/TRA 'MESA'

    Conditional Status: RA2
    Military Flying
    Lateral Limits: 182500S 1440000E - 181416S 1445605E - then along the counter clockwise arc of a circle radius 120.00NM centre 191439S 1464530E (TL/DME) - 184958S 1444131E - 191000S 1440000E - 182500S 1440000E
    Vertical Limits: FL120 - NOTAM
    Hours of Activity: NOTAM
    Controlling Authority: Flight Commander 452SQN Townsville 

    YBBB/TRA 'VERDE'

    Conditional Status: RA2
    Military Flying
    Lateral Limits: 184958S 1444131E then along the counter clockwise arc of a circle radius 120.00NM centre 191439S 1464530E (TL/DME) 201158S 1445336E - 201657S 1442650E - 191000S 1440000E - 184958S 1444131E
    Vertical Limits: 7000FT AMSL – NOTAM
    Hours of Activity: NOTAM
    Controlling Authority: Flight Commander 452SQN Townsville 

    Figure 1. TRA ‘MESA’ and TRA ‘VERDE’

    Submitted by

    SO3 Airspace Plans Joint Airspace Control Cell
    Royal Australian Air Force
    adf.airspace@defence.gov.au