LedSled et al,
You know, all the stats and "proof" and "logic" and academic argument really don't impact on the topic of this thead. It is about Williamtown airspace in particular. There are other active threads about NAS/E/See and Avoid.
Comments specifically about whether or not, or how this airpace will work more safely after the Defence designed/CASA imposed airspace are most welcome.
To my mind, the lowering of E to 4500 from 8500 (replacing existing G) reduces the flexibility that IFR RPT have in determining their own separation with other aircraft by limiting their tracking/frequency options until 4000ft lower than they can today.
E in this situation does not protect the aircraft from VFR any more than G does. In both cases, IFR is given traffic on VFR, but in one case IFR can manoeuvre as desired/required after an appropriate traffic statement and in the other, the IFR must get a new clearance from ATC to avoid the traffic. The time and space available for this, in the WLM area, is quitre limited. At least if the airspace was C, like over TW, CFS, and WLM when the RAAF are active, there would be positive separation between VFR and IFR.
The controller has less flexibility. Given that Brisbane Centre is not Approach rated, the tools for separation they have are limited (eg cannot vector below lower safe, cannot use 3nm radar separation etc). This, and the limited time/space to afford clearances without delay will result in increasing workload and restrictions to IFR aircraft where no such restrictions occur today in G.
The time available for departing aircraft to get a clearance above A040 is shortened compared to A080 and makes frequency congestion even more critical in ensuring that departing aircraft can manage their own separation with terrain and each other. Bear in mind that Brisbane Centre is also managing airspace in the Port Macquarie area.
This airspace will serve to make operations more restrictive for IFR aircraft, for controllers and increases the risk associated with increasing pilot/controller workload and frequency congestion.