Increased flying ops at RAAF Amberley ahead of Comm Games

Local Ipswich residents may notice an increase in air traffic at RAAF Base Amberley from 21 March through to 17 April as part of the Australian Defence Force’s support to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

CAPTION: An Australian Army MRH-90 helicopter takes Queensland Police Service Special Emergency Response Team members over the Gold Coast during familiarisation training for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Photo by Sergeant W Guthrie.

Royal Australian Air Force fast jets, which are based at RAAF Base Amberley, in addition to Australian Army helicopters, such as the MRH90 Taipan, will provide support to the Queensland Police Service for the games.

Commander of the ADF’s support to the Commonwealth Games Major General Paul McLachlan said that in the lead up to, and during the games, Ipswich locals should not be surprised to see Army helicopters flying at RAAF Base Amberley.

“Army helicopters will be flying around the Gold Coast during the day and night and will start familiarisation training before the games commence,” Major General McLachlan said.

“In the lead up to and during the games, Air Force fast jets will also be conducting flying outside their normal hours of operation including night and weekend flying.

“This flying helps minimise the impact to the public should Defence be called upon to support the Queensland Police response to an incident during the games.

“Defence support to the Queensland Police Service is an important component of the Australian government’s overall security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games.”

“Defence is working closely with the Queensland Police Service and local governments to minimise any impact of these flying operations on communities.”

RAAF Base Amberley will also continue to conduct ongoing aircraft flying operations during the day and night as part of routine training, exercises and tasks.

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