United States Army soldiers patrol along Freshwater Beach in Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Department of Defence

US and Australian military are checking claims that four peace protesters have entered an area where joint military exercises using live ammunition are underway.

The military and police say they are concerned for the group's welfare.

But they have also stressed that trespassing into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, near Rockhampton in Central Queensland, to disrupt the Talisman Sabre exercise is illegal.

A spokesman for the US forces, Captain Binford R Strickland, said a search was underway for the protesters.

"Our primary concern is for the trespassers' welfare in addition to the safety of exercise participants in this harsh bushland setting," Capt Strickland said.

"The protesters have a right to air their views but should do so legally.

"If unauthorised individuals are found within Shoalwater Bay Training Area, they will be escorted from the training area.

"The Australian Defence Force is coordinating with our colleagues at the Queensland Police Service."

Capt Strickland said no part of the exercise had been disrupted and no protesters were found in checks of live-firing target areas.

"The live-fire portion of Exercise TS09 is a very small portion of the overall training," Capt Strickland said.

"Live-fire training began Saturday and concludes today (Tuesday).

"Before each live-fire training exercise, Australian Defence Force and US safety officials ensure they follow all safety precautions to ensure the safety of anyone in the area."

More than 24,000 personnel from Australia and the US are involved in Talisman Sabre 2009.