Shoalwater Bay has been a key site for military training for decades, with a rich history of defence activities and international cooperation. Covering 36% of the Livingstone Shire, and five times the size of Singapore, the Shoalwater bay Training Area (SWBTA) is recognised as one of the best training facilities in the world. It is the Australian Defence Forces' (ADF) largest permanent training area with superior road and air infrastructure, connecting troops and equipment to the training camps, Rockhampton Airport, and Ports of Gladstone and Alma.
For over 30 years, the Australian Defence Force, alongside allied forces like the Singapore Armed Forces and the United States Military, has conducted regular training exercises such as Exercise Talisman Sabre and Exercise Wallaby, bringing thousands of soldiers to the region each year. In 2025, the region will celebrate 35 years of its strong partnership with the Singapore Armed Forces. These partnerships further elevate the strategic importance of the site, not only in fostering defence alliances but also contributing to regional stability and security.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Stanage Bay Road Upgrade: Completed in 2023, a $21.6 million upgrade to Stanage Bay Road has significantly improved accessibility to the SWBTA, benefiting both military and civillian users.
CQROC Defence Strategy: Developed by the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) of which Livingstone Shire Council is a part of, the strategy aims to strengthen Central Queensland's role in supporting national defence and regional security. It oulines a coordinated approach to leveraging the region's defence capabilities, infrastructure and strategic location. The strategy identifies specific opportunities for Livingstone Shire, including establishing a centralised armoured vehicle depot in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and relocating the Army’s School of Armour at the same time. Co-location will reduce the movement of 12 over-size and over-mass vehicles from Brisbane to Central Queensland on the Australian civilian road network and support growth in the Army’s training requirements for new armoured vehicles. Operational efficiencies will be realised by co-locating repair and maintenance activity in region. These projects alone would increase Gross Regional Product (GRP) in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast by $423 M and 2132 jobs (FTE). In the longer term, advocating for the relocation of the 7th Brigade who have outgrown their current home at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane. If the 7th Brigade were to establish in Livingstone, GRP would increase by an additional $1,887 million and create 9,506 jobs (FTE).
Central to Defence Working Group (CDWG) - Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case: The CDWG is made up of Livingstone, Rockhampton and Gladstone Councils, as well as Regional Development Australia Central and Western Queensland. The group was formed to position Central Queensland as a key player in Australia's Defence Industry by leveraging its industrial heritage, embracing innovation, and driving long-term economic and social benefits for the region. The 2023 Defence Strategic Review called for a rapid expansion of domestic guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) manufacturing to strengthen Australia's northern defence. In response the Australian Government is investing $4.1 billion to boost long-range strike capabilities, including expanded storage and distribution. The CDWG identified this as an opportunity and in 2024 secured $1 million in State Government funding to explore the development a comprehensive Business Case assessing the feasibility and strategic value of a Defence Industry Precinct in CQ. Forge Advisory Group have been appointed as Project Managers, with project completion expected in June 2026.
For further information visit Defence or view the CQROC Defence Strategy here.
