Townsville has emerged as Australia’s new defence capital, with thousands of soldiers to be relocated over the next few years.
From 2025, the Garrison city will host all the Army’s heavy armour and half of its helicopters.
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Defence Minister Richard Marles will announce the changes on Thursday, which he said are about maintaining “peace, security and prosperity”.
“These changes to Army are about responding to the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review to maintain peace, security and prosperity in our region,” Mr Marles said to the ABC.
“Our Army has always played a vital role in the defence of our nation and will continue to do so as it adapts to the challenges of our times.”
It would also allow for focus on conducting missions in littoral waters near shorelines in the Pacific where a future conflict could be fought.
Under the changes, Adelaide will become the base of advanced land-based, long range strike capabilities.
About 800 army personnel will relocate from Adelaide, with most heading to Townsville, up to 200 to Brisbane and the remaining 100 or so to Darwin.
The changes:
Darwin’s 1st Brigade: Will be a light combat brigade,
Townsville’s 3rd Brigade: Will be an armoured combat brigade,
Brisbane’s 7th Brigade: Will be a motorised combat brigade and,
Adelaide’s 10th Brigade: Will be raised as a fires brigade.