Exercise Talisman Sabre is not just war games on the east coast - Flinders Shire residents have been advised that Australian and United States military personnel will conduct training in their part of the world from mid to late July.
The public in that part of the world has been reassured that no ammunition will be used during the training in the Hughenden area, and they shouldn't be alarmed if they see or hear military aircraft, vehicles and military personnel carrying weapons.
Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia's largest bilateral exercise with the US, officially commenced with the opening ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley on Wednesday.
Exercise Talisman Sabre director, Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham said the Australian Defence Force personnel were looking forward to the opportunity to train alongside their US colleagues and, when the opportunity arises, to show them Queensland's far north.
"Our US colleagues don't get the opportunity to train in Far North Queensland very often, so we're all looking forward to working together to build our joint capability and showing them a bit of the country," Air Commodore Bellingham said.
"We acknowledge these activities may result in some noise disturbance for Hughenden and Flinders Shire Council residents.
"Defence is working closely with the local Queensland police and council to ensure residents are aware of the training, which will be conducted during the day and at night."
People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat.
All Australian and US military personnel participating in the training will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before commencing the training.
"Robust COVIDsafe plans have been put in place to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on exercise participants and the general public," Air Commodore Bellingham said. "Defence will not take any risks with the health of Hughenden's population. For everybody's safety we ask that if you see or hear the training, please maintain your distance."
He thanked the people of Hughenden and the wider shire for welcoming them into the community.
Defence is unable to provide further information regarding the training in order to protect operational tactics, techniques and procedures, but has listed training details at Hughenden on its website.
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