Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong residents have been advised not to be alarmed by army helicopters flying low over their homes.
Military helicopters have this week been sighted over Williamstown, Newport, South Kingsville and Laverton.
They will continue to be in the area over the next week as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) conducts counter-terrorism training.
The training, which is a regular annual event, tests the skills of army personnel in responding to simulated terrorist scenarios around critical infrastructure.
Traning exercises will be held day and night and will also involve specialist army vehicles.
The helicopters will be operating out of the Point Cook RAAF base during this time.
Some residents have taken to social media in alarm after seeing army helicopters doing high-speed flights close to rooftops in residential areas.
A Defence spokesman said members of the public shouldn’t be alarmed.
“The training activity is designed to provide a realistic test of ADF skills and to ensure the ADF maintains the highest level of capability to respond, where required, to support Australia’s national interests,” the spokesman said.
“Due to security considerations, Defence will not be releasing further details regarding the training.
“If the public observes or hears such activities, they should not be alarmed.
“Defence acknowledges that such activities may result in disturbance to local residents, however, wherever possible, the ADF seeks to minimise this disruption.”
