Dick,
I have stood back, and largely agreed with your points etc - and yes there are 'dick-bashers' (he he) who have attempted to drag your arguement off track... don't be found guilty of doing the same.
As you are aware, Williamtown is not a 'joint users' airfield - and like most jobs in our RAAF, ATC staff are in short supply. If you were to conduct a little more research, you would find that the WLM tower is manned outside of military flying hours for the benfit of RPT and other heavy scheduled civilain movement periods. Thats right, manned by RAAF ATC outside of RAAF flying hours, not civilians. Should greater periods of control be required by RAAF ATC (ie weekends), manning is such that there would be insufficient control during the very busy week days. It is a RAAF base manned by RAAF ATC, not civilians.
The issue (as you rightly point out to a degree) is the pace at which Williamtown (referring to the guest civilian RPT use) movements have increased. The practise cable engagements, circuit training and other circuit dense activities that occur this time of year are at worst 'accomodated' by the military flying program, and are generally well scheduled and deconflicted from other movements. The ability of RAAF ATC in these situations (particularly when something goes sideways) is a credit to them and the military pilots who work with them.
While your average F/A-18 pilot is doing his best to meet ATC requirements, steer his 4 ship of '44000lbs fire breathing war chariots' (ack Simmo) about the sky and meet the tactic training requirements of his category - he is not particularly concerned about (or able to avoid due takeoff speed) light traffic within the ATZ and is therefore afforded an IFR departure and the seperation that entails.
It is all about priorities, and the length of this thread has highlighted many of them. Some times, one must consider that his flight is in fact not the first priority or the immediate concern. Next time you hold at Nobbys I hope you are offered 1000'. Please take a look around at what is becoming a very immpressive city (and its ever busier military airport), and focus your efforts on the improvement of wider aviation services and other areas in Australia you have made a positive improvement in - and not the cheap shot slander and 'military bashing' of those who choose to take a public servants wage to defend it.
Perhaps you could ask for a WLM clearance one day, drop in to see a hornet Sqn and the Approach personnel, and show your support as a prominent Australian (I'm sure they'd take a ride in the Augusta too by the way).
N_r