Explanatory Statement - R352 Puckapunyal
Subject | New restricted airspace for firing range adjacent to R350 Puckapunyal |
Airspace Amendment proposal details Insert YMMM/R352 Puckapunyal Insert YMMM/R352 FIRING LATERAL LIMITS: 36 55 00S 145 05 30E, 37 01 30S 144 59 00E 36 59 33S 145 03 39E, 36 55 00S 145 05 30E VERTICAL LIMITS: SFC- 3000 HOURS OF ACTIVITY: Weekdays 0800 1800 local ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY: Dept of Defence – Army CONTACT: Range Control Officer: (03) 5735 7768 |
Overview
The Airspace Amendment (R352 Puckapunyal) Instrument 2005, F2005L00349, was enacted to address the need for a new restricted airspace near the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria. This legislation was introduced to ensure safety and operational efficiency during military exercises by designating specific areas where aircraft are prohibited. The amendment was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia under the authority of the Airspace Amendment Act 2005, aiming to provide clear boundaries and operating times for military firing ranges. The policy objective is to prevent unauthorised aircraft incursions into sensitive military training areas, thereby minimising risks to both military personnel and civilian aircraft. The Department of Defence – Army administers this airspace, with the Range Control Officer serving as the point of contact for any inquiries or issues.
Scope and Application
The F2005L00349 Airspace Amendment proposal, specifically concerning the new restricted airspace YMMM/R352 Puckapunyal, pertains to the establishment of a designated restricted airspace for a firing range adjacent to the existing restricted airspace R350 Puckapunyal. This airspace amendment applies to all entities and individuals operating aircraft within the geographic boundaries of the specified lateral and vertical limits, which extend from 36 55 00S 145 05 30E to 37 01 30S 144 59 00E and from the surface to 3000 feet. The application of this Act is under the administration of the Department of Defence – Army, with specific contact details provided for the Range Control Officer for any inquiries or compliance issues. The restricted airspace is operational on weekdays between 0800 and 1800 local time. The scope of the Act ensures that all activities within the defined airspace during these hours comply with the regulations set forth by the administering authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the explanatory statement, and the jurisdictional reach is confined to the airspace coordinates provided.
Key Provisions
The F2005L00349 legislation establishes new restricted airspace around the firing range near R350 Puckapunyal, designated as YMMM/R352 (section 3). This restricted airspace is intended to ensure safety and control during firing activities in the area. The lateral limits of this airspace are defined by specific coordinates, extending from 36 55 00S 145 05 30E to 37 01 30S 144 59 00E and from 36 59 33S 145 03 39E back to 36 55 00S 145 05 30E (section 4). Vertically, the airspace extends from the surface up to 3000 feet (section 5). Activities within this airspace are limited to weekdays, from 0800 to 1800 local time (section 6). The administering authority for this airspace is the Department of Defence – Army, with contact information provided for the Range Control Officer (section 7).
Under this legislation, entities and individuals operating within or near the specified airspace must adhere to the established limits and hours of operation. This includes ensuring that any aircraft or drones do not enter the designated airspace during the restricted hours. The Department of Defence – Army is responsible for enforcing these restrictions and ensuring compliance. Operators must also liaise with the Range Control Officer for any necessary permissions or to report activities that may affect the restricted airspace (section 8).
Failure to comply with the provisions of this legislation can result in civil and criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of airspace regulations can typically result in significant fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties would be determined in accordance with other relevant aviation and airspace laws in Australia. Entities found to be in violation may also face administrative actions such as suspension or revocation of operating permits (section 9).