About the base
Holsworthy Barracks has one of the Army's major footprints within NSW and is home to a number of Army and tri-service training institutions as well as various Regular and Reserve Army Units. Holsworthy Barracks is also the staging location for domestic operations in NSW and covers almost 20,000 hectares.
Holsworthy training area
Holsworthy Barracks is a very active military base where exercises and activities are conducted frequently to maintain world-class response capabilities. Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel conduct live firing training activities in the Holsworthy area, during the period of February to December.
The training involves responses to simulated scenarios as well as demolitions and other explosive ammunitions. There may be weather events such as low cloud cover that may make the explosive component seem larger than normal. Defence is committed to minimise noise and inconvenience to the local community where possible.
Firing training activity times (note, firing may be outside these times):
- Monday to Saturday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Defence is unable to provide media access or further information, including specific timings, regarding this training, in order to protect operational tactics, techniques and procedures.
Access
No pedestrian or visitor access to Moorebank Avenue rear gate. All dash cameras/recording devices are to be disconnected upon entry to Barracks.
All live in member's visitors are to be off site by 9am the following day. Taxis or ride sharing services are not permitted. Any persons making bookings will need to meet these services in the front gate precinct carpark.
Digital licences are currently not accepted as a valid form of identification. Physical identification must be provided to gain access to the base.
Visiting hours
General visiting hours 6 am – 6 pm
Road rules
Speed limit is 40km/h throughout the base unless otherwise signposted and not to exceed 20km/h when overtaking formed military members.
Hazards
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Active vehicle barriers | Active vehicle barriers are located at the front gate and rear gate with 20km/h speed limits enforced. |
| Wildlife | Wildlife may be visible on the roads. For your safety, drive slowly and be aware they have right of way. All fauna in NSW are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Call 1300 658 975 to remove a snake in your work area. It is an offence to kill or harm a snake. |
| Bushfires | There is natural bushland within and adjacent to the base. In the event of a bushfire, follow all instructions of your escort or emergency warden. |
Sirens and lights will communicate information about the base security status and procedures.
| Status | Lights | Sounds | Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alert | Blue flashing lights | ‘beep, beep, beep’ tone + ‘alert alert alert’ voice command | Prepare to receive direction and maintain awareness. |
| Evacuation | Blue flashing lights | ‘whoop, whoop, whoop’ tone + evacuate, evacuate, evacuate’ voice command | Exit building and assemble at predetermined assembly area. Remain at assembly area and await further direction. |
| Disperse | Blue flashing lights | Rapid short 'beeping' tone + 'disperse, disperse, disperse' voice command | Rapidly move away from mass gathering and maintain awareness. |
| Lockdown | Blue flashing lights | Rapid short ‘beeping’ tone + ‘lockdown, lockdown, lockdown’ voice command |
Follow the CLOSE procedure.
|
| Stand down | Green flashing lights | Low-pitched ‘buzzing’ tone + ‘all clear, all clear, all clear voice command | Resume normal activities. |
Call 000 for life threatening, critical or serious situations.
Security: MSS Security: 0488 401 547
Joint Military Police Unit: 13 11 67
General enquiries:
02 8782 8485
basemanagement.lma@defence.gov.au
Pass Office: 02 8782 8545
Base Manager: 02 8108 0867
Assistant Base Manager: 02 8108 6025
Training area: dotam.rangecontrol.hta@defence.gov.au