Defence

The Rockhampton Region has a long history of military cooperation, hosting regular multinational defence exercises in the city at the nearby Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area.

Among recent highlights for the Rockhampton Region is Exercise Diamond Run, which saw around 1,500 ADF personnel in the city for a major training exercise. Officers were based out of centrally located sites including the Rockhampton Railyards, Rockhampton Showgrounds and the Lakes Creek Hotel where they supported units engaging a fictitious enemy at Shoalwater Bay.

The Region has a long-standing relationship with the Singapore Armed Forces, hosting soldiers and their vehicles for the annual Exercise Wallaby which marks its 35th anniversary in 2025.

Rockhampton Regional Council has also been granted $1 million by the Queensland Government to support the development of a Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case.

With excellent road, rail, air and sea connections and its proximity to Australia's largest military training area, Rockhampton presents an abundance of opportunities for defence organisations and defence focused businesses to base themselves in an accessible location with regular interactions with key defence decision-makers. 

Rockhampton Regional Council, in conjunction with neighbouring local governments, is pursuing new opportunities within the defence industry. For more, please contact the Advance Rockhampton team or see what we're doing to make Central Queensland a key location for this vital industry below.

QCROC Defence Submission(PDF, 13MB)

Defence Facilities around the Rockhampton Region

Around Rockhampton

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Rockhampton Airport has the capability to handle international flights and heavy cargo aircraft, allowing for the easy transportation of aircraft and military vehicles. Rockhampton Airport routinely handles the arrival of Antonov aircraft and international charter flights during military exercises, facilitating multi-national operations.

The Port of Rockhampton (formerly known as Port Alma) to Rockhampton's South is a Class 1 Explosives capable port and just a short drive from the Bajool Magazine, one of four Queensland Government explosive reserves.

Rockhampton is also home to the Capricornia Company of 31st/42nd Battalion RQR.

The Advance Rockhampton team can assist defence organisations, and businesses working within the defence space, by facilitating operations and supporting manufacturing and logistics. 

Shoalwater Bay

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The Australian Defence Force and personnel from Singapore and The United States are among around a dozen countries to have recently utilised the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area around 70km north of Rockhampton. Shoalwater Bay covers 4,000 square kilometres making it the ADF’s largest permanent military training area, with superior road and air infrastructure in Rockhampton connecting troops and equipment to the base, the Port of Gladstone and the Port of Rockhampton.

The Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area is currently undergoing an expansion called the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative which will identify our region as one of the best military training facilities in the world.

Defence Opportunities in the Rockhampton Region

In conjunction with the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, Rockhampton Regional Council has identified areas of expansion for military operations in around the area. The CQROC Defence Strategy  highlights the $3.3b economic stimulus and 31% population increase which Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast could benefit from in the event of a locally based operational ADF presence.

As the gateway to Northern Australia the Rockhampton Region is logistically well positioned and well serviced by road, rail, air and sea and as a region with great liveability options established and planned for the future, the city and Central Queensland is the logical and most viable location to establish and grow a permanent military presence to shape, deter and respond to future threats.

Why choose Rockhampton for defence?

  • Excellent connectivity via road, rail, air and sea
  • Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area just 70 kilometres north of Rockhampton
  • Affordable industrial land
  • Supportive Council, keen to assist in growing a local defence industry
How can Advance Rockhampton help?

As the Economic Development arm of Rockhampton Regional Council, Advance Rockhampton can assist in facilitating defence activities and supporting businesses in the region.

The Advance Rockhampton team can assist with:

  • Business to business connections
  • Development and planning advice
  • Economic impact modelling
  • Investment and site tours
  • Solutions brokering
  • Tailored data

contact advance rockhampton

Advance Rockhampton Economic Development team

The Advance Rockhampton team can assist in facilitating defence activities in the Rockhampton Region, and provide support to businesses seeking to work in the local defence industry.

Phone: + 61 7 4936 8282
Email: advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au

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