Noise alert: Exercise Chong Ju at Puckapunyal

3 Aug 2022
The Army’s Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) manoeuvres during a combined arms live-fire activity as part of Exercise Chong Ju 2019 at Puckapunyal Training Area, Victoria. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Chong Ju showcases the Australian Army’s joint combined arms capabilities during a live-fire demonstration at Puckapunyal Training Area, Victoria on Thursday 9 May 2019. On show were the Army’s M1A1 Abrams tanks, Australian light armour vehicles (ASLAVs), a M777A2 howitzer, a Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter (ARH) and infantry minor team tactics. This year’s event also featured a Royal Australian Air Force Hawk 127 lead-in fighter jet. Conducted at the Combined Arms Training Centre (CATC), the Exercise is an opportunity for trainee officers, soldiers, Defence leaders and Defence industry to see how Army is ready now for the challenges of the modern battlespace.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will conduct live-fire training at the Puckapunyal Military Area on 8-14 August 2022, culminating in a firepower demonstration on 15 -17 August 2022.

The public should expect to hear a significant increase in noise (loud bangs and explosions) between 12.45pm – 3.30pm on Monday 15 August to Wednesday 17 August.

There will also be rehearsals for this activity between 8am and 5pm from Monday 8 August to Sunday 14 August inclusive. The rehearsals will only be conducted in daylight hours.

The public should not be alarmed if they hear loud bangs or explosions but are strongly encouraged to take measures such as securing anxious animals.

Residents of the areas surrounding Puckapunyal should not be concerned that they are under any form of actual threat.

Noise disturbances will be minimised where possible and the ADF thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while this training is being conducted.

This activity is vital to maintain Australia’s world-class military capability. The training is being conducted in a COVIDSafe manner with appropriate health management processes in place.