RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Base Amberley is Defence's largest operational air base. Established in 1940, the base is located in Queensland, 40km south-west of Brisbane.

RAAF Base Amberley plays a critical role in enabling pilots and crews to maintain currency and expertise in operating aircraft around an airfield, and also provides excellent training for air traffic controllers.

In residence

The following are located based at RAAF Base Amberley:

• No 95 Wing, Headquarters
• No 382 Squadron - Contingency Response
• No 295 Squadron - Training and Standards
• No 1 Combat Communication Squadron, Headquarters
• No 2 Security Forces Squadron, Headquarters
• No 1 Combat Communication Squadron Flight Amberley
• No 96 Wing, Headquarters
• No 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron - airbase operations
• No 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, Headquarters
• No 3 Aero-medical Evacuation Squadron Detachment Amberley
• Combat Support Group, Headquarters
• Health Services Wing, Headquarters
• Health Operational Conversion Unit

Noise mitigation

Noise abatement procedures and strategies for RAAF Base Amberley are outlined in the RAAF Base Amberley Aircraft Noise Management Plan.

RAAF Base Amberley Aircraft Noise Management Plan (PDF 2.55 MB)

All fast jet flights at RAAF Base Amberley are governed by the Super Hornet Noise Management Plan.

Super Hornet Noise Management Plan (PDF 4.74 MB)

Flying schedule

Any planned deviations from normal operations, outlined below, are advertised through local media outlets and on Frequent flying schedules page.

• Night flights can operate until 10 pm.
• Flying after 10 pm may occur due to operational needs.
• Operational transport movements can take place at any time, though rarely between 11pm and 6am.
• Fighter jets do not usually conduct training activities on weekends.
• Super Hornet circuit training is carried out to the west of RAAF Base Amberley, clear of the townships of Walloon, Willowbank and Rosewood.
• Low-flying operations close to the Amberley airfield can occur.

Community engagement and key dates

Ex-Serving Member Visits

This initiative is to get the ex-serving members (ESM) community involved in re-visiting the base and improving their mental health through their connection to the ADF. These days are designed to give ESMs and their spouses, carers, volunteers or wider community groups they are a part of, a chance to look at ADF history and potentially visit a unit they may have worked at in the past. These days have a maximum capacity of 50 people per visit.

To participate in these days, members should email the AMB Visits Cell at amb.visits@defence.gov.au.

The following dates are available for ESM Days for 2025:

• Tuesday 18^thFebruary
• Tuesday 18^th March
• Tuesday 15^th April
• Tuesday 20^th May
• Tuesday 17^th June
• Tuesday 19^th August
• Tuesday 23^rd September
• Tuesday 21^st October
• Tuesday 18^th November

Defence Work Experience Program

The Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) provides young Australians, with an interest in a Defence career, the opportunity to gain exposure to a range of job roles available within the ADF and Australian Public Service (APS). These opportunities give hands on experience to students who are aged 15 and over.

To participate in these programs, members must apply through the Defence Work Experience Program webpage.

The following dates are available for DWEP at Amberley in 2025:

• Air Force Familiarisation – 28-30 April
• Indigenous Youth Program – 12-16 May
• Air Force Familiarisation – 23-25 June
• Air Force Familiarisation – 25-27 August
• Women in Aviation - 31 August-04 September
• Women in Aviation – 07-11 September
• Air Force Familiarisation – 20-22 October
• Indigenous Youth Program – 10-14 November

Community Events

The ADF participates in local events to engage with the community and provide information on ADF careers and opportunities.

The following events will have an ADF presence in 2025:

• Planes, Trains and Auto Festival – 3-5May
• Ipswich Show – 16-18 May
• The Ekka – 13 August

Community consultation

The Amberley Consultative Working Group provides attendees with information about current activities at the base, such as flying activities. It is also an opportunity to include the community in upcoming events such as parades.

The Group is chaired by the Air Base Executive Officer and attended by the Base Support Manager, State and Local Government representatives, representatives from community organisations and residents neighbouring the base.

Latest Amberley Consultative Working Group meeting minutes are available below.

ACWG Meeting Minutes - 17 November 2022 (PDF 365.37 KB)

ACWG Meeting Minutes - 08 June 2022 (PDF 336.89 KB)

Previous meeting notes and consultation documents can be accessed through the Government web archives.