South Queensland Warfighter 2025
The South Queensland Warfighter is part of the Army’s Advanced Collective Training program. The exercise will be conducted between 21 June and 5 July 2025.
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 United Kingdom, the Republic of Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
The exercise will include up to 2,500 personnel, mostly from Army’s 7th Brigade (based in Brisbane), and a range of equipment, including armoured reconnaissance vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and towed artillery.
Locations
A number of non-Defence training areas will be used in the vicinity of Rockhampton. The majority of activity will occur within the Showalter Bay Training Area.
Residents and landholders adjacent to the non-Defence training areas in Rockhampton and the Showalter Bay Training Area can expect increased military activity for the duration of the exercise.
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. The key road used is the Bruce Highway (Rockhampton to Shoalwater Bay).
- Activities in non-Defence training areas may 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.
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.