The destruction of old World War II chemical munitions found at Columboola in Queensland in 2009 is scheduled to occur next month.
Columboola was a former US WWII ammunition depot and demolitions range.
To date, more than 140 confirmed old chemical munitions containing mustard agent have been excavated.
This is the largest find of this kind ever made in Australia.
The US provided military experts to assist in the identification and testing of these munitions, which confirmed the presence of a mustard agent.
In their current state, specialist advice is that the munitions do not pose a risk to the public.
The risk from mustard agent is only to those who come in direct contact with the munitions and who are not wearing the required protective equipment.
Defence will manage the destruction of these old chemical weapons on behalf of the Government of Australia, in accordance with Australia’s obligations under the international Chemical Weapons Convention.
To ensure the safe disposal of these old munitions, specialist equipment and expert technicians have been contracted to undertake the destruction work.
In accordance with the standard processes of the Chemical Weapon Convention, a team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) conducted an inspection of munitions at the site in late September.
Prior to commencing the work, Defence will hold a second round of consultations to inform the community about the munitions destruction and removal process being undertaken on the site.
Further information about the project can be found at www.defence.gov.au/id/columboola/fact_sheets.htm