Defence Facilities and Opportunities

Home to an international and heavy-lift capable airport, Class 1 explosives capable port and strategically located at the meeting point of critical national highways, the Rockhampton Region has a high concentration of facilities which stand poised to support Defence activities and expansions.

The capital of Central Queensland, Rockhampton is just a short drive away from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Port of Gladstone, establishing the region as an ideal destination for Defence and defence industry.

Defence Facilities

Around Rockhampton

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 Training Area

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 conjunction with Regional Development Australia Central and Western Queensland, and our neighbouring local governments in Gladstone and Livingstone, Rockhampton Regional Council is a proud member of the Central to Defence Working Group, advocating for and seeking increased activity and investment related to Defence.

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

Contact Advance Rockhampton

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