Central Queensland advances bid for major defence hub

The Central Queensland region is advancing its bid for a major defence hub, as politicians prepare to present a business case to the federal government in Canberra. The area is home to the army's largest collective training organisation, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, which hosts thousands of defence force personnel. Recently, the army tested its Boxer Block II Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in the region, showcasing its advanced capabilities, including improved mobility and communication.

Shoalwater Bay Training Area, located 80 kilometres north of Rockhampton, spans over 450,000 hectares of dense bushland and sea. Central Queensland politicians will present a business case at Canberra next month, which includes proposals for a defence-logistics hub, a medical training centre, and a submarine-support facility in Gladstone.

Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams emphasized the opportunity to diversify the local economy and ease the housing shortage by providing dedicated accommodation for defence personnel and medical specialists.

The land for the Shoalwater Bay facility was acquired by the Commonwealth in 1965 and was previously used to prepare soldiers for battle in Vietnam. Brigadier Jen Harris, who commands the army's seventh brigade, stated that the training area felt like home ground, allowing the army to test its war-fighting capability. However, the project may face challenges related to labour shortages and the high cost of building materials due to geopolitical tensions.

A senior policy adviser at the ANU's National Security College, David Andrews, noted that while the government's AUKUS nuclear submarines project is a significant focus, there is an appetite for other defence projects to enhance national resilience. The Department of Defence emphasized the importance of infrastructure in northern Australia for the country's capabilities, expressing commitment to maximizing opportunities for local industry in defence-related sectors.