Three Year UXO Hazard Reduction Effort Kicks Off

Darwin, Australia The Australian Government kicked off a three year effort to clear UXO from Quail Island, Bare Sand Island, and Djadjalbit Island west of Darwin. The UXO in the area is a result of training conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force from 1945 to 1979. To date, the UXO mitigation strategy for the area has been signage and bi-annual surface inspections for UXO that was uncovered by tidal actions.

Private contractor support is being used to support the detection of subsurface UXO with the Australian military EOD providing disposal support. Turtle experts have also been consulted on the project to ensure turtle nesting areas and habitats remain protected throughout the clearance.