Council ramps up push for military potential
Published on 26 June 2015
With documents at the ready, Rockhampton Regional Council is prepared for visits from the military brass that inevitably come with military exercises.
Today Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow and Economic Development Manager Rick Palmer met with State Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne.
The meeting was part of ongoing discussions to increase defence activity in the Region.
“The timing is right to continue these discussions with key representatives and advocates with our Region currently the focal point for the largest joint forces exercise in the country,” Mayor Strelow said.
Council has also recently made detailed submissions to both the Northern Australian White Paper and the Military White Paper.
“Our region has been closely connected with Defence for over 150 years and we're ready to push our point at every possible opportunity.”
The submission identified six key recommendations to help lay the base for the Region to become a strong defence hub.
- Develop a discrete military precinct at the Rockhampton Airport
- Relocate a squadron of the Armoured Cavalry Regiment to Parkhurst
- Construct storage in the Rockhampton Region to facilitate support for units operating in the Shoal Water Bay Training area
- Use Port Alma for the importation of bulk explosive ordinance, which could then be stored at the Bajool Explosives Facility
- Use the Rockhampton Airport as a replacement helicopter base in place of Oakey, and
- Involvement in Australia’s growing amphibious capacity.
“Our location gives a strategic reach to Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and also to other countries located in the South West Pacific,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Coupled with our Airport’s capacity for various transport options, close proximity to the Gladstone Port and Shoal Water Bay, Rockhampton is the future for Defence.
“Senator Canavan has also been very supportive in helping us build our case for personnel and equipment to be permanently based in our area and his recent questions at the Estimates will help us better understand the Defence environment and their needs.”