Military airfields, low-flying training areas and air weapons ranges operated by the Australian Defence Force are essential for maintaining Defence’s high training standards and operational capability. Defence air crews need to be trained in a range of flying scenarios. Although simulators are used, the experience of flying provides the rigorous and thorough training environment required for pilots and crews.
Defence acknowledges noise is experienced by residents and communities living near Defence bases and training areas.
While the noise produced by military aircraft can never be eliminated, Defence is working with communities to reduce the impact of aircraft noise while protecting Australia’s national interests.
Flying programs and events
To stay up to date on the latest Defence training and events, each Service publishes significant upcoming events:
RAAF Base Amberley Aircraft Noise Monitoring Program
Background
RAAF Base Amberley is Defence’s largest operational air base and home to the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets. These critical capabilities are central to the security of Australia.
In April 2025, during the federal election campaign, the Government announced an extended noise monitoring program around RAAF Base Amberley. This initiative aims to better understand and manage aircraft noise impacts on the surrounding community.
Community Engagement and Monitoring Program
Defence engaged with the local community in May 2025 to identify volunteers for noise monitoring and property inspections.
Between June and July 2025, Defence conducted noise monitoring and property inspections at volunteer households:
- Noise monitoring focused on households within the ANEF 30 contour.
- 19 volunteer households participated, with the noise monitoring conducted inside and/or outside their homes.
- Property inspections were completed at these 19 homes and an additional 15 households within and beyond the ANEF 30 contour.
In parallel, Defence has consulted with key stakeholders and experts, including:
- Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
- Aircraft Noise Ombudsman
- National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group
- Queensland Government
- Ipswich City Council
Results
Over the six week monitoring period between June and July 2025, there were 440 military fast jet movements (approximately 40% of all aircraft movements during the monitoring period).
- Weeks 1–3 reflected long-term average military fast jet flying activity (26 movements per day).
- Weeks 4–6 saw reduced military fast jet activity due to Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.
- Despite variations, the 440 military fast jet movements provided a robust sample for analysis.
The measured maximum outside noise levels ranged between 95 and 103 dB(A), depending on aircraft departure or arrival and direction. These measured noise levels align with those modelled to inform the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Conditions of Approval and compliance with the Australian Super Hornet Noise Management Plan.
Further information is available at Australian Super Hornet flying operations.
Inside noise levels varied based on dwelling construction and whether windows or doors were open during monitoring.
Next Steps
Defence is committed to improving aircraft noise management and will implement a range of measures at an operational level, including:
- Independent audit by the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman of Defence’s compliance with EPBC Act conditions.
- Review of noise monitoring terminal locations around the base.
- Review of community engagement methods and advisory functions.
- Assessment of flight paths to minimise community noise impacts.
Defence anticipates providing a detailed report in the first half of 2026, including provision of advice to Government that reviews technical options to manage aircraft noise.
Defence thanks all participants of the noise monitoring program, which has been invaluable in helping Defence better understand aircraft noise impacts in the community. Defence plans to host a town hall and Q&A session in 2026, similar to the event held in May 2025.
For enquiries, please contact land.planning@defence.gov.au.
Resources
RAAF Base Amberley Aircraft Noise Monitoring Program community presentation (PDF, 1.05 MB)
RAAF Base Amberley Aircraft Noise Monitoring Program factsheet (PDF, 688.03 KB)