Community information session

Defence held an information session on 20 May 2026 to engage with the community on the Defence Audit and divestment of Woodside Barracks. Community members shared valuable local insights and feedback with Defence. This feedback will help inform transition planning and next steps.

Register to receive future updates about the divestment of Woodside Barracks.

Functions

Woodside Camp was established in 1927 for training light horse and infantry. In the 1950s it was used as a migration reception camp in addition to military use. In 2015, the former married quarters area, known as Inverbrackie, was subdivided from the site and sold. 

Separate to the estate audit, nearly all Australian Defence Force personnel have moved to RAAF Base Edinburgh for capability reasons unrelated to the estate audit.

This site serves as office space, live-in accommodation Army Reserves and Cadet training facility.

Government will engage with existing tenants as part of the divestment process.

Address

Nairne Road
Woodside SA 5244

Size

145 hectares

Occupants

• Cadets: 100–150

People are and will remain Defence's most important capability. The Defence Estate Audit recommendations will enhance Defence work environments, ensuring our estate is a key point of attraction and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of the workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.

Relocation

Woodside Barracks personnel, including Reserves, completed relocation at the end of 2025 to Edinburgh Defence Precinct, 54km away.

Cadets will remain in the region and relocate to a new lease at a community venue or school. Defence will engage with potential venues to facilitate this.

Divestment timelines

Detailed relocation planning for Cadets is ongoing and subject to the identification of alternative lease arrangements.

Regional communities

The Australian Defence Force is deeply committed to regional Australia and will continue to maintain strong, meaningful connections with communities across the country.

Recruitment and retention will remain a priority, supported by initiatives such as deploying the mobile Australian Defence Force Careers Centre to locations without a permanent facility.

The Australian Defence Force will also maintain activities associated with school outreach, participation in local events, partnerships with regional organisations, and targeted community programs.

These efforts reaffirm the Australian Defence Force's dedication to creating opportunities, supporting local communities, and maintaining a trusted presence throughout Australia’s regions.

Third party users

All current users and tenants will be consulted on transition options based on individual circumstances and future needs.

Environmental impacts

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination has been identified at the site. Defence is managing risks to nearby properties with groundwater bores, in line with the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan.

History and heritage

Defence acknowledges that parts of the site may hold significance for First Nations communities.

Factsheet

Woodside Barracks estate audit factsheet (PDF, 386 KB)