Explanatory Statement – AERU 05-23/ MILEX ‘Talisman Saber 05’
Purpose: This exercise is a major military operation between elements of the Australian and United States of America defence forces. They will be conducting wide range tactical flying in the vicinity of Shoalwater bay Training areas and adjacent off-shore areas between Townsville and Brisbane.
There is a requirement for the Airspace and Environment Regulatory Unit (AERU) to approve a Legislative Instrument for the temporary adjacent off-shore areas. The areas are being reclassified from Class E airspace up to a higher designation of Class C for the purpose of being able to have greater control of aircraft mixing with these high performance aircraft and segregating regular public transport flights from these aircraft conducting tactical manoeuvres.
The areas that need to be legislated are two designated areas and are established approximately 10 nautical miles eastward off-shore
Operation: The two off-shore areas will be in use for the period from 13 June until 30June. The areas will be reclassified from Class E airspace to Class C within Airspace Reservation Alpha and Charlie in accordance with AIP SUP H10/05 within the describe period.
This will ensure exclusion of VFR aircraft without the permission of the administering authority.
Impact: Consultation undertaken by the proponent indicates that there is minimal impact on businesses in these off-shore areas. AERU contacted Sunstate Airlines and Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) and both organisations have stated that they understand the reclassifications and the off-shore areas have very little impact on their regular operations.
The Office of Regulation Review determined this instrument appeared unlikely to have direct or significant indirect impact on businesses and therefore confirmed a Regulation Impact Statement would not be required.