About the base
The Air Force's main fighter pilot training base and home to numerous squadrons of training, surveillance and fighter aircraft.
Access
Visitors must report at Pass Office outside the South Gate access control point on Medowie Road to collect visitor identification card or receive swipe access to gain entry. Defence Common Access Card holders visiting from another base can email the Pass Office to activate swipe entry before visiting.
All occupants of the vehicle are to swipe their card on electronic card readers located at the boom gate on entry. When exiting the base only the driver to swipe their card.
The access control officer may positively identify card holders and assist if access is not granted upon swiping (push red intercom button & speak for assistance). Sometimes visitors must return to Pass Office.
Trucks are to enter via north gate truck lane only (designated wider lane).
Motorcycles can only enter via motorcycle lanes at both South and North gates.
All pedestrians and bicycle riders, entering or exiting are to use the pedestrian and/or bicycle access at the side of each gate. Use of the pedestrian and bicycle access is via swipe and pin. Pins are available through the Pass Office at south gate.
Visiting hours
South Gate open hours: 6 am – 6 pm Monday -Thursday & 6 am - 3:30 pm Friday. Closed Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday.
North Gate is open 24/7
Pass Office is open 24/7
Road rules
Military members marching or physical training have right of way (passing speed limit 10km/h). Base wide 40 km/h speed limit (except 30 km/h zones, gates 20 km/h). State Road Rules apply. All drivers are to adhere to promulgated speed limits.
Airside awareness
Airside is the movement area, and other facilities or zones on the aerodrome, which are vital to the safe operation of aircraft and the personnel working with those aircraft.
Airside boundaries provide a safety barrier and prevent non-authorised personnel entry to airside areas. The airside boundary is identified by security fencing, signs, markings and/or lights.
Non-authorised personnel are not to proceed past the airside signs and are to remain vigilant when operating near airside.
Hazards
|
Hazard Name |
Location |
Description |
|
Active Vehicle Barriers |
Main Entry |
Active Vehicle Barriers are located at the main front gate and the rear gate with 20km per hour sign post speed limits. Adhering to the speed limit will ensure you are able to stop in time if there is a requirement to activate the barriers. |
|
Pedestrians on Roadways |
Base wide |
Military members may be marching, drilling or undertaking physical training and have right of way. Some roads do not have footpaths, if you encounter pedestrians on the roads then you will need to drive accordingly. |
|
Wildlife |
Base wide |
Wildlife may be visible on the roads. For your safety, drive slowly and be aware they have right of way. For snakes in work area, injured/trapped birds - call Base Services (BSSC 1300 658 975). A person must WAIT for wildlife handler (eyes on). Seasonal swooping birds (avoid, hat/PPE, don't panic). Snakes (and all fauna) in NSW are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. It is an offence to kill or harm a snake. |
|
Bushfires |
Base wide |
There is natural bushland within and adjacent to the Base. In case of a bushfire, follow instructions from your Defence escort or fire warden. |
|
Airfield |
|
The airfield well signposted and access is restricted to authorised personnel only. Hearing protection may be required in close proximity and will be advised by your Defence escort. |
|
Base Fuel Point |
Knox Knight Road |
Access to the fuel point is for authorised personnel only with all required emergency management details signposted at the site. |
|
Noise |
Base wide |
WLM is an operational airbase and noise is generated by aircraft. Hearing protection is to be worn in high noise areas. |
|
Severe Weather Events |
Base wide |
WLM is prone to flooding during heavy storm events, care is to be taken during heavy rain events with cognisance of where you park your vehicle and not walking though flood waters - flood waters attract vectors such as mosquitoes, visitors should wear repellent and appropriate clothing. |
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.
Base Emergency & security:
General Enquiries: 1800 DEFENCE.