Exercise Talisman Saber - Opposition and Protests

Opposition and Protests

There were a number of protests against the exercise in 2007. These protests were motivated by concerns over the possibility of environmental damage to the Shoalwater Bay region and opposition to military exercises which simulate offensive operations.

There was opposition to Talisman Sabre 2007 from peace activists and a number of environmental groups, with environmental concerns ranging from general military contamination, to the purported damaging effects of sonar on local marine life. The Australian and American militaries have previously recognised the environmental concerns of operating in this area, with troops undergoing environmental impact briefings before arriving at the location in 2005, and an environmental training centre to be constructed before the 2007 exercise.