North Queensland Warfighter 2025
The North Queensland Warfighter 2025 is part Army’s Advanced Collective Training program . The exercise will be conducted between 13 May and 13 June.
Participants
Army’s warfighting exercises are a key opportunity to work with partners from across the region and around the globe. The exercise will incorporate forces from the militaries of allies and regional partners, including the USA, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.
The exercise will include up to 3,000 personnel, mostly from Army’s 3rd Brigade (based in Townsville), and a range of equipment, including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, towed artillery, landing craft and various helicopters.
Locations
A number of non-Defence training areas will be used in the vicinity of Forrest Beach, Lucinda, Halifax, Ingham, Abergowrie and Mount Fox. The maritime environs around Forrest Beach and Lucinda will also be temporarily used.
Residents and landholders adjacent to non-Defence training areas in the Hinchinbrook Shire, the Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA) and Lavarack Barracks can expect increased military activity for the duration of the exercise.
Peak impacts are expected for the following durations:
- maritime environs: 13 May to 24 May
- Hinchinbrook Shire (multiple locations): 13 May to 6 June
- Bruce Highway (Townsville to Ingham): 13 May to 13 June
- Flinders Highway (Townsville to Mingela): 6 June to 13 June
- Hervey’s Range Road (Townsville to TFTA): 23 May to 13 June.
Community engagement
Some community impacts expected during the warfighting exercises are:
- Large military vehicle convoys will be on public roads, including major highways and country roads. Key roads used include Bruce Highway (Townsville to Ingham), Flinders Highway (Townsville to Mingela/Charters Towers) and Hervey’s Range Road (Townsville to TFTA).
- Activities in non-Defence training areas will involve the use of weapons and blank ammunition. Public safety is of utmost importance, and all required risk reduction measures will be taken. The public should not handle weapons or touch ammunition and ordnance.
- Closures of waters and airspace in vicinity of training areas (including non-Defence training areas) will be communicated via notices to mariners and notices to airmen respectively. Temporary restrictions to airspace will apply for some activities. Yachts, fishing vessels and aircraft operating are asked to heed these notices and maintain a safe distance from military training.
- Army aviation will be used for the duration of the exercise across Defence and non-defence training areas.
The Australian Defence Force sincerely thanks the residents from the many communities hosting various components of the exercise for their continued support.
For further information about the community engagement, safety and environmental management, visit the Warfighter Exercises page.