Multiple sites in Rockhampton will be utilised for a major Army training exercise throughout August.
Parts of the railyards, the showgrounds, Denison Street in Depot Hill and the Koongal Pub at 431 Lakes Creek Road will be temporary locations for Army personnel, vehicles and equipment.
Around 1500 personnel from the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade from Brisbane and the 17th Brigade from Sydney will begin arriving in Central Queensland from around August 3rd and will depart by August 30th. Around 500 of these personnel will be temporarily based in Rockhampton while the other 1000 will be inside Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
Residents can expect to see Army trucks and smaller vehicles moving around Rockhampton. Larger armoured vehicles will travel up the Bruce Highway but head into Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
In Rockhampton there will be soldiers carrying weapons as part of the scenario. However, there are no plans for any firing of weapons or the use of any pyrotechnics or sound effects.
All these activities will occur within Shoalwater Bay Training Area. If there is a requirement for any loud noises in populated areas, updated alerts will be sent to local government, the community and media.
The Australian Army appreciates the support of the community and recognises the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.