A number of ADF vessels and aircraft, such as Army helicopters, were reportedly sighted around Soldiers Point, Fingal Bay and Boat Harbour during the first week in May.

About 10pm on Thursday, May 5, people dressed in camouflage were seen and gunfire was reportedly heard around the Nelson Bay marina.

The increased presence of the ADF in Port Stephens and the wider Hunter region this month is due to a maritime counter-terrorism training exercise.

"The public should not be alarmed if they see or hear military helicopters, vehicles, watercraft, unmanned aerial surveillance systems and military personnel carrying weapons," the ADF stated.

"Blank and paint ammunition will be used during some aspects of the training.

"People who see the training should not be concerned that any of the locations are under any form of actual threat.

"This essential training is vital to maintain Australia's world-class military capability."

The Australia Army's 16th Aviation Brigade are supporting training in Williamtown, Newcastle and Hunter Valley through to May 22.

Brigade commander, Brigadier Dean Thompson, said ADF personnel has been looking forward to the opportunity to use the these areas for training.

"Aviation training to support counter-terrorism activities is designed to be complex, and is required to be undertaken in locations unfamiliar to the aircrew," he said.

"We're very much looking forward to using these areas to help our helicopter crews and personnel continue to sustain our world-class counter terrorism response capability.

"We acknowledge these activities may result in some noise disturbance for residents in the vicinity, but I want to reassure everybody this is essential to provide our personnel with realistic training."

Soldiers Point Rural Fire Brigade took to Facebook late on Thursday to alert the community to the reason behind the ADF's presence in Nelson Bay.

"Can you hear gunshots around the Nelson Bay area tonight?" the RFS brigade posted to its Facebook page about 11pm.

"Over the next few days/nights the ADF will be conducting maritime counter-terrorism training within the area.

"Some reports have been of Defence force vessels seen around Soldiers Point, aircraft around Fingal Bay, whilst tonight it seems like they are conducting training around the Nelson Bay marina.

"You may notice a large military presence as well as gun fire (blank ammunition) in the area.

"Rest assured, everything is 100 per cent safe and there is no threat to the area. However, we recommend you avoid the area if possible."

It came after a number of residents took to community Facebook pages on Thursday night concerned with the activities and noises from the marina.

One resident posted to the Port Stephens Noticeboard: "What were the camo dressed boys with gas-powered guns doin running and shooting at near around the kids activity center at [the] marina at 10pm?"

The ADF said it was unable to provide further information on its training activities "in order to protect operational tactics, techniques and procedures".

The ADF is also conducting counter-terrorism training in the Sydney, Wollongong, Jervis Bay, Eurobodalla and Port Macquarie areas throughout May.

The day and night training involves responses to "simulated terrorist scenarios", the ADF stated.

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