A larger Central Queensland defence industry and supply chain could be on the horizon as part of a new plan outlined by the Central to Defence Working Group (CTDWG).
The group - established in 2022 and including Livingstone, Gladstone and Rockhampton councils with Regional Development Australia Central and Western Queensland - is holding a series of town hall meetings to engage local community and business on its proposal to transform Central Queensland into a major hub for defence operations and logistics.
The plan outlines key investments across the region which would bolster Defence's local capability whilst driving jobs, economic opportunity and growth.
The investments directly align with the needs and opportunities set out in the Australian Government's National Defence Strategic Review and defence strategy.
The five proposed investments include:
- Defence logistics hub to maintain, repair, overhaul and store defence machinery and assets
- Short-term accommodation hub to provide safe, secure and fit for purpose facilities for defence personnel during exercises and forward staging ahead of deployment
- Medical and rescue centre of excellence to research, train and treat defence personnel and emergency services during exercises, deployment and disasters
- Uncrewed systems hub to develop and expand defence's capability in this critical new technological space
- Expanded Maritime Capabilities to support current and future maritime vessels and capabilities.
These initiatives feature as part of a larger Business Case developed by the Central to Defence Working Group and funded through the Queensland Government.
A Town Hall will be held in each local government area giving residents, business and industry an opportunity to engage in the discussion and provide their insights and feedback.
Feedback from the forums will be integrated into the final Central to Defence Business Case which is expected to be completed in late 2026.
Rockhampton Region Mayor and CTDWG Chair Tony Williams said the region is ready to step up.
"We know that we can offer increased and expanded defence opportunities in Central Queensland.
"This is about leveraging our local strengths and taking what we do well and apply it to a defence space that is shifting its focus and priorities to Northern Australia.
"I know that each of these 5 key investments which we have set out speak directly to the needs of the defence force, our allies and our strategic readiness.
"Having this engagement with the community - with residents, business and industry is important as it helps us refine our thinking and understanding how we can deliver these projects should defence invest in them."
Gladstone Regional Mayor Matt Burnett said having a defence presence in the region is crucial.
"As part of our strategic direction for 2025/26 is to make sure we increase a navy presence in Gladstone, our port is the Gateway to the Pacific.
"It's fantastic marine access and with the state development area and huge industry, Gladstone is very well positioned to have a defence presence going forward.
"This is an amazing opportunity for Central Queensland with the navy in Gladstone, land and air forces in Rockhampton, and an amazing training facility in Shoalwater Bay and the Livingstone Shire.
"If you have a look at Darwin or Townsville, and what defence has done for their economy, if we can replicate that in Central Queensland it's going to be very good for our diversity but also very good for our local economy."
Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot said the region plays a foundational role in Australia's Defence training and preparedness through Shoalwater Bay Training Area, one of the nation's most significant Defence assets.
"The Defence Industry Precinct is designed to complement training activities by supporting logistics, maintenance, accommodation, and services.
"Livingstone offers strategic land availability and proximity that enables Defence and industry to operate efficiently while minimising impacts on our residential communities.
"Dual-use opportunities mean that infrastructure investments can also strengthen disaster response, emergency management, and regional resilience.
"This approach supports local employment and encourages business participation, all without changing the character of Livingstone's communities.
"Council is focused on ensuring that Defence-related growth is balanced, environmentally responsible, and delivers clear local benefits."
