THE Gingin Recreation Centre oval will be off-limits to the general public on Wednesday, August 16 due to an emergency services crash exercise being carried out there.
The RAC rescue helicopter is taking part in the crash exercise so drones will not be allowed in the area.
Shire of Gingin President David Roe said personnel from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, WA Police and St John Ambulance would also be involved.
Cr Roe said the exercise will assesses the various agencies’ response capabilities, command and control structure, as well as how the local emergency management arrangements work in a life-like simulation involving emergency air service support.
“Owing to the nature of the exercise, and for the safety of the Rescue 651 helicopter crew, drones are not permitted in the area at all,” he said.
“They pose a significant risk to the aircraft and will cause the event to be cancelled if they are deployed.”
“The exercise area will be set up earlier in the day and will be off limits to the public.’’
He said crew briefings would start at 4pm with the actual crash exercise scheduled for 5pm – the Rescue 651 helicopter is scheduled to land on the oval at 5.45pm.
“This is an important exercise, and while we understand it may generate considerable community interest on the day, we would ask that bystanders adhere to any instructions given by emergency service personnel.
“The Rescue 651 helicopter requires a 75m exclusion zone so no one will be permitted on the oval while it is there.
Wanneroo SES personnel will be in attendance to ensure people stay off the oval.
Access to the main car park at the oval will be restricted from the entry booth heading to the right, and all vehicles are asked to park at the Bendigo Complex.
