Confusion in NSW town of Lismore as Australian soldiers take over the streets for ‘riot control role play’
Confusion in NSW town of Lismore as Australian soldiers take over the streets in ‘riot control role-play’
Residents of a major regional city have expressed anger and confusion at the sight of Australian soldiers on the streets as part of a deployment that includes conducting “riot control” exercises.
The Australian Army’s 7th Brigade was seen on the streets of Lismore on the far north coast of NSW, conducting the exercises as part of Exercise EVER READY RAM.
The activities started on Monday and will end on Friday after soldiers arrived in the city on Wednesday, angering a Federal Greens senator and some city residents.
Australian Army soldiers conduct military exercises in Lismore (pictured), on the far north coast of NSW, as part of a series of military exercises including ‘riot control’
Lismore Council made an announcement on their Facebook page on Monday, warning residents of the activities.
“Members of the Australian Defense Force will be in the Lismore area for a military exercise from Wednesday, September 6 to Friday, September 8,” the release said.
‘The exercise is intended to prepare members of the 7th Brigade for deployment on Australian Government duties.
‘Defence thanks the community and authorities for their cooperation during the exercise.’
The Council said soldiers were deployed to carry out a “riot control activity” that took place on Thursday.
Members of the force will also conduct target practice at the old campus of Trinity College.
No rounds were fired before 4:30 PM on Thursday, while no shooting exercises were conducted before 9:30 AM on Friday.
The move has caused confusion among some residents, who saw soldiers passing through their neighborhood.
One resident, Dee Mould, who commented on the council’s message, said she saw soldiers outside her house last night.
“They were outside my house in the dark last night…a full patrol with automatic weapons…I was scared,” she said.
“I’m not reassured to hear that they are training in riot control and I don’t think a deeply traumatized community needs this.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Lismore Council for comment.
Australian Defense Force soldiers (pictured) arrived in Lismore on Wednesday and carried out military exercises, including ‘blank-fire clear’ exercises which took place on Thursday and more exercises are expected to be carried out today
NSW Greens Senator David Shoebridge also took to social media to express his concerns about the exercises.
“What on earth is the Australian Defense Force doing conducting ‘riot control activities’ and ‘blank fire clearance’ at Lismore Airport and Trinity College?” Mr Shoebridge asked in a Twitter message.
“This is a job for the police, not the ADF. It is a dangerous mission for the armed forces.”
In a statement, a Department of Defense spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: ‘Elements of the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, will conduct a simulated non-combatant evacuation (NEO), stability operation and air-land operation (ALO) . )…’
“(The exercises are being conducted) from Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, RAAF Base Amberley and Lismore Regional Airport, with increased air and road traffic expected between these locations.”
“Our community is at the forefront of military planning and Defense will take all available steps to reduce the impact on residents.”
Lismore Council informed residents that members of the Australian military will be deployed to the area, but it has left some residents confused about their presence in the region
The latest military operation comes after four members of the Australian Defense Force were killed when an army helicopter crashed off the coast of Queensland.
The incident occurred during the Talisman Saber military training exercise, when the helicopter crashed near Hamilton Island at around 10:30 PM on Friday, July 28.