About the base

This ‘forward facing’ base is designed so that operational units can move into existing facilities at little or no notice in the event of a crisis or for Defence exercises.

Access

Access to the base is to be coordinated through the RAAF Townsville Air Base Command Post (ABCP).

Visitors and contractors must sign in and out of the base via the register located at the RAAF Caretaker’s Office.

As the site is remote, a mobile number must be provided on the sign in sheet in the event of an emergency.

Note: Telstra provides the most reliable coverage at the site.

Visiting hours

Access to RAAF Scherger is to be during normal business hours:

  • 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (Monday - Thursday)
  • 7:30 am to 2 pm on Friday.

Road rules

Speed is limited to 40km/h in the Married Quarter area, all other areas are 60km/h.

Hazards

Hazard Name

Description

Aircraft Movement

Do not enter airside, runways or tarmacs unless authorised to do so or accompanied by an authorised person.

Explosive Ordnance

It is prohibited to enter areas where explosive ordnance is stored and prepared. A red flag will signify when these areas are handling or preparing ordnance.

Wildlife

 A number of wild animals inhabit the base including wild pigs, kangaroos, and both venomous and non-venomous snakes. These animals should be avoided at all times, or ensure safety precautions are taken if needing to work in the vicinity.

Heat related illness

Ensure adequate hydration to reduce dehydration and becoming unwell from exposure to the sun.

Telephone coverage Mobile service providers are unable to provide adequate service. Telstra coverage is recommended as it is the most reliable.

Sirens will communicate information about the base security status and procedures. In the event you hear any of the following emergency warning tones, stop what you are doing immediately and follow the direction of your escort or ECO Warden. In the absence of direction, follow the procedures below and those detailed in the following pages of the National Base Induction.

Status

Sounds

Procedure

Alert

‘beep, beep, beep’ tone + ‘alert alert alert’ voice command

Prepare to receive direction and maintain awareness.

Evacuation

‘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.

Lockdown

Rapid short ‘beeping’ tone + ‘lockdown, lockdown, lockdown’ voice command

Follow the CLOSE procedure.

  • Close windows, blinds, doors and turn off lights.
  • Lock computers and put documents away.
  • Out-of-sight and minimise movement.
  • Stay silent and turn off phones.
  • Endure and maintain.

Stand down

Low-pitched ‘buzzing’ tone + ‘stand-down, stand-down, stand-down’ voice command

Resume normal activities.

Call 000 for life threatening, critical or serious situations.

Access requests

07 4752 1888

tvl.abcp@defence.gov.au

General enquiries

0409 465 217

basemanagement.raafscherger@defence.gov.au