Airspace related - Other involving a British Aerospace PLC 3107, VH-TQL, Williamtown, NSW on 22 August 1993

The pilot of VH-TQL reported that when on short final for runway 12 the crew noticed a displaced threshold for runway 30 and men and vehicles commencing to enter the closed off area. No NOTAM for this activity was current and this was confirmed by the AVFAX help phone number. The RAAF advised that there had been a self cancelling NOTAM for work on the cable-hook arrester system on the previous day, and the work continued the next day but relevant authorities were not advised. Upon ascertaining that the work was continuing, the tower controller had immediately arranged for a Sydney NOTAM to be raised but it was not issued prior to the arrival of VH-TQL. Measures have been taken by the RAAF to prevent a recurrence.