About 1.40pm on Wednesday, Port Stephens-Hunter Police District officers were called to the RAAF base located off Medowie Road in Williamtown on reports of a suspicious item being located.

An exclusion zone was established.

Medowie Road between Nelson Bay and Richardson roads was closed while police responded to the incident.

Officers examined the package and determined that it was not an explosive device.

With the assistance of specialist resources, the scene was declared safe about 4pm.

Officers launched an investigation into the incident and following extensive inquiries, a 60-year-old man was arrested at a Lake Macquarie home later on Wednesday afternoon.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with leave/send substance/article create false belief of danger.

He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday, October 19.

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.