minute - Royal Australian Air Force

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
MINUTE
23SQN/2013/OUT/L3894943
MINUTES OF THE AMBERLEY CONSULTATIVE WORKING GROUP (ACWG)
HELD AT COUNCILLOR PISASALE’S DIVISION 8 OFFICES ON 21 MAY 13
Present:
WGCDR Simon Nickson (ABXO)
WOFF David Obst (23SQN)
Cr David Pahlke (Ipswich City Council)
Cr Charlie Pisasale (Councillor Division 8)
Mr Ian Dainer (Willowbank Area Group)
Bill Behm (Local Resident)
Geoff McLay (West Moreton Anglican College)
George Hatchman (Willowbank Area Group – President)
Lola and Don Hooper (Winston Glades NHW)
Glenys Ashton (Local Resident)
Absences:
Rodney Newsham (Marburg Residents Association)
Cr Cheryl Bromage (Ipswich City Council (Councillor Division 6))
The Honourable Shayne Neumann, MP (Federal Member for Blair)
Matt Clarke (BSM)
Stuart and Kylie Leslie (AMB Post Office)
Katrina Britton (Brisbane Valley 1 RNHW – Secretary)
Len Harrison (Local Resident)
Sean Choat, MP (Member for Ipswich West)
Ian Rickuss, MP (Member for Lockyer)
Des Peters (Area Coordinator, Brisbane Valley Neighbourhood Watch)
Jan and Gordon (Federer One Mile Neighbourhood Watch)
Glenn Brennan (Walloon Thagoona Neighbourhood Watch)
Lauren Walls (Walloon Thagoona Neighbourhood Watch)
Kerri Byenhof (Willowbank Area Group)
Ross Muller (Winston Glades NHW)
ITEM 1 – WELCOME
1.
The ACWG meeting was opened at 1706h. WGCDR Simon Nickson welcomed all
present.
ITEM 2 - APOLOGIES
2.
Apologies received from:
a.
Rodney Newsham (Marburg Residents Association).
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b.
Matt Clarke (BSM).
ITEM 3 – MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
3.
Review and acceptance of the Minutes of the last meeting.
a.
Bill Behm advised spelling errors throughout minutes of previous meeting.
b.
Glenys Ashton advised that details of information with regard to the position of
the Amberley front gate are not included with the minutes from the previous
meeting; refer enclosure one to these minutes.
4.
WGCDR Nickson moved that the Minutes of the last meeting held on 21 Feb 13 as a
true and accurate reflection of the last meeting; seconded by Mr Don Hooper.
Action: ABXO to locate the email that discussed relocation of the front gate closer to
the Ashton property.
ITEM 4 – BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
5.
Aerospace Park Update:
a.
6.
7.
WGCDR Nickson advised this project will not happen anytime soon.
Amberley State School Time Capsule:
a.
Mr Hatchman advised that David Clark knew the location of the time capsules.
Mr Hatchman accompanied David Clark and his father to the site where one
capsule could not be found. They managed to locate the other time capsule but
had been disturbed by past digging. The aluminium case is in pieces and there’s
nothing recoverable of a historical value. The remains of the capsule have been
removed by Mr Hatchman and he has the item in a bag at his residence. A news
article is provided at enclosure six.
b.
Mr Hatchman proposed this issue is resolved and that nothing of value has been
found.
c.
Mr Hatchman extended his appreciation to base management for assistance in
allowing the search of the item.
Weed Management:
a.
Bill Behm advised that weed control is still an issue and needs to be followed up
or at least reported to someone.
Action: BSM
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8.
Girl Guide Facility:
a.
9.
Mr Hatchman advised the construction of the new Girl Guide facility is
progressing well. The location of facility is at Willowbank Rise and will be
known as the Amberley Girl Guides. The requirement to relocate items from the
base is no longer necessary as the facility is to be built from ‘scratch’. Enclosure
four is photographs of the building site.
Issues Arising from Jan Australia Day Long Weekend Flood
a.
Not too much damage to Base although Amberley Road leading into the main
entrance of the base was about 3M under water for two days. Accordingly, a rethink of the position of the new front gate was undertaken.
b.
Damage to fences on the south and western sides of the base.
c.
Sewerage treatment plant was also under water and the risk of effluent release into
Warrell Creek was very small given the volume of water and that no one was
using building toilets.
d.
As way of update, new sewerage treatment plant should be installed in about 9-12
months located on higher ground than the current treatment plant. BSM to provide
update at next meeting.
Action: BSM
e.
Mr Behm generated discussion with regard to the opening and closing of the three
mile bridge while in flood. A standing offer was extended by ABXO to the flood
affected residence west of 3 mile bridge to provide access through the base during
times of bridge closure.
f.
Amberley to find storage facility on base for road closure signage for western side
of the three mile bridge during times of flood.
Action: BSM
ITEM 5 – AMBERLEY BASE UPDATE (ABXO)
10.
ANZAC Day
a.
b.
Mr Hatchman praised the base organisers for a great ANZAC Day Gunfire
Breakfast of which was echoed by all attending.
Given the large number of attendees at Amberley for dawn service, viewing the
ceremony was difficult. Suggestion to provide better viewing opportunities in
future as the numbers attending will only increase over time.
c.
Traffic management plan needs to be addressed along with a disable parking
solution.
d.
ANZAC Day ACWG joint wreath laying needs to be formally included in
program.
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e.
ABXO advised the Amberley personnel had supported many other ANZAC Day
commitments following the Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast.
f.
ANZAC Day parade in Brisbane city consisted of over 1000 personnel from
Amberley. Defence personnel made comment of how Ipswich city council had
done a great job for ANZAC Day with much positive feedback on the Ipswich
parade.
g.
Community made comment to Ipswich council with regard to the change of
parade route.
Action: ABXO (PES)
11.
12.
13.
Base Operations
a.
Three aircraft with about 100 personnel then returning for an exercise in the US.
Exercise Aces North supported by about 30 personnel for security forces and
100+ aircraft technicians, pilots, etc about to deploy to Darwin.
b.
Security Forces deployed to Afghanistan due to return soon after six months. The
second rotation of personnel is soon to deploy to end of the year when most
Australians will be home from Afghanistan.
c.
1AFDS and 2AFDS will continue to remain at Amberley but will be renamed to
SECFOR (Security Force) SQNs to cover the full spectrum of RAAF security
operations.
d.
9 FSB (Army) are deploying about 200 of its personnel plus RAAF and Army
personnel from around the country to the Middle East.
Government’s White Paper Announcement
a.
RAAF is purchasing 12 Growler aircraft which is a variant to the Super Hornet
specifically designed to deal with electronic warfare.
b.
The new aircraft will reside at Amberley parked at the current 82WG lines
making a total of 24 Super Hornets and 12 Growlers. Still only two SQNs; one
with Super Hornets and the other with the Growlers. Delivery of the 12 Growlers
is a few years away.
On going growth at Amberley
a.
3AME SQN detachment to operate out of Amberley. 3AME consist of medical
personnel who respond to medical emergencies utilising C17s.
b.
Aircraft Research and Development unit (Flight Test) will have personnel at
Amberley consisting of about 40 personnel.
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14.
15.
Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 (TS13) – 21 Jul 13 to Aug 13
a.
Bi-lateral Australian/US exercise at Shoal Water Bay and Amberley in Jul 13.
Smaller than expected US contingent. There will be about five additional US
C17s at Amberley for three to four days.
b.
An additional 60-80 Australian and US Army personnel will be situated at
Amberley during July.
c.
There will also be a number of other aircraft transiting Amberley.
d.
Defence Public Relations organisation will advise the community of TS13
activities closer to the exercise date.
Base Redevelopment
a.
Main airfield work is currently underway with sections of the main taxiway to be
dug up for best part of the remainder of the year. From Oct to Dec 13; 500 metres
of main runway will be replaced. The Bomber Replenishment Area (western side
of the airfield) is also being renewed requiring heavy earth moving equipment to
transit the Southern Access road via Amberley’s back gate.
b.
While the runway is being repaired, the KC30 aircraft are to relocate from
Amberley. The C17s will still continue to operate at Amberley but with
restrictions on aircraft weight.
c.
Super Hornet disruptions will be reported at a later date. However, the cross strip
may be used by the Super Hornets during airfield works (will confirm and advise
in due course).
d.
Southern access road from the base roundabout to Behms road is under
redevelopment.
ITEM 6 – AIRCRAFT NOISE COMPLAINTS
16. Extract of Amberley’s Aircraft noise complaint register is at annex A and was tabled by
WGCDR Nickson.
a.
Mr David Pahlke requested more tangible information be made available for the
committee to understand the noise issue. WGCDR Nickson advised this is
possible and will present a new format at next meeting.
b.
Move to accept the noise complaint report was seconded by Mr Don Hooper.
ITEM 7 – NEW AMBERLEY FRONT GATE
17. In the absence of Mr Matt Clarke (BSM), WGCDR Nickson advised details of the
progress of the new front gate will need to be presented at the next meeting.
18. WGCDR Nickson advised Glenys Ashton she has the option to contact GPCAPT Ward
and/or Matt Clarke direct should she require any update on the construction.
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19.
Opening of the new gate is expected about Oct or Nov 13.
ITEM 8 – COUNCIL REPORTS
20.
Mr David Pahlke provided a report at enclosure two. He also presented a news article
on GPCAPT Ward with regard to his 50 years of service to the RAAF. Committee members
all congratulated GPCAPT Ward for his service and his assistance to the community.
21.
Cr Charlie Pisasale provided a report at enclosure three.
ITEM 9 – COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE’S FEEDBACK
22.
Willowbank committee had nothing to report.
23. Neighbourhood watch had delivered a community news letter by letter box drop. Lola
and Don Hooper advised that both Coloundra and Coolum residence enjoyed the fly over of
Super Hornets on ANZAC Day.
24.
Mr Geoff McLay (West Moreton Anglican College) had nothing to report.
ITEM 10 – OTHER BUSINESS
25. WGCDR Nickson opened discussion with regard to the construct of the ACWG in that
if committee members feel that they no longer need to be a member there are no obligations.
Having said this, there is an opportunity for other organisations/groups/individuals to
participate with the ACWG. Notwithstanding this, WGCDR Nickson advised the ACWG is to
continue.
26. Suggestion by Glenys Ashton that on occasions guest speakers be invited and an
invitation to more neighbouring residence to Amberley are offered. Glenys agreed that TMR
representative should attend next meeting to advise on current highway work.
Action: ABXO and BSM
27. Mr Hatchman advised that a 32SQN Beaufort aircraft crashed at Bundaberg in May
1943. He has tried contacting 32SQN to advise of the anniversary of the crash without
success. ABXO to call CO 32SQN to advise/discuss.
ITEM 11 – NEXT MEETING
28.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, 20 Aug 13 at 1700h at the RAAF Amberley
Lawn Bowls Club. Refreshments to be provided by 23SQN.
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ANNEX ONE TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
RAAF Base Amberley Noise complaints
22 Feb – 21 May 13 (inclusive)
Date
Time
Location
Aircraft Type
Follow UP
1
27-Feb-13
1430
Leyburn
FA-18
Verbal
2
27-Feb-13
1520
Warrego Hwy, Rosewood Rd turnoff
FA-18
Verbal
3
07-Mar-13
1105
Walloon
FA-18
Verbal
4
12-Mar-13
0801
Warwick
C-17
Verbal
5
12-Mar-13
2000
Bundaberg
FA-18
Verbal
6
12-Mar-13
Ipswich
C-17
Verbal
7
13-Mar-13
2000
Amberley
FA-18
Verbal
8
18-Mar-13
1515
Goranba
FA-18
Verbal
9
09-May-13
1420
Plainland
FA-18
Verbal
10
14-May-13
1015
Willowbank
FA-18
Verbal
11
16-May-13
1016
Collingwood Park
CHC SAR Helo
Verbal
12
09-May-13
1545
Ropeley
FA-18
Verbal
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ENCLOSURE ONE TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
Amberley Consultative Working Group (ACWG) - 21st February 2013
Local resident update – Mrs Glenys Ashton
1. Mrs Ashton raised the position of the front gate relocation with Mr Matthew Clarke and the impact on her families’ liveability, as the new gate will be located closer her residential property then its current position. 2. Suggested alternatives were raised to have the front gate situated off Rosewood or Haigslea‐Amberley Road, which would also assist with the flood impact on the front gate. 3. The AMB BSM, Mr Clarke, advised the committee that the front gate will still be located on Southern Amberley Road and the Base redevelopment plans are being adjusted to cater for the potential flood impact. Object ID: L3894943
ENCLOSURE TWO TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
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ENCLOSURE THREE TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
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ENCLOSURE FOUR TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
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ENCLOSURE FIVE TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
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ENCLOSURE SIX TO
ACWG MINUTES
DATED 21 MAY 13
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