Townsville’s Strategic Role in Defence Infrastructure – Insights from ADM 2025 Forum

By Darian Macey, August 21 2025

When 30,000 troops from 19 nations converged on Townsville for Talisman Sabre, they highlighted what Defence leaders already know – this city is the beating heart of Australia’s northern defence.

The ADM Townsville Defence Forum 2025 gathered defence and industry leaders to discuss how strategic infrastructure investment in Townsville and North Queensland can enhance Australia’s defence capabilities. Key themes included Townsville’s role as a mounting base and logistics hub, the modernisation and sustainment of defence aviation (with new Apache and Chinook helicopters), integrated dual-use infrastructure planning, faster modular construction delivery, local economic development and workforce pressures, and strengthening local industry partnerships for sovereign capability. The following sections highlight insights from the forum, using direct quotes from speakers to illustrate each point.

Strategic Infrastructure Investment

Townsville’s expanding role as a mounting base and logistics hub in Australia’s north

Townsville has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s northern defence posture. Its unique combination of an Army garrison, a Royal Australian Air Force base, a deep-water port, and expansive training areas in one region makes it a natural hub for mounting and sustaining military operations. During the forum, participants noted how recent multinational exercises demonstrated Townsville’s strategic value. Queensland’s Assistant Defence Minister Janelle Poole highlighted that Townsville “was proud to welcome more than 30,000 defence personnel from 19 countries” during the recent Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises – a clear indicator of the city’s capacity to host and deploy large forces alongside allies. Given North Queensland’s “natural strengths such as our strategic geography,” she said, leveraging this location is critical as Australia works with industry to secure the nation’s future.

The concept of Townsville as a “mounting base” – a launch point for deploying forces – featured prominently. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Francis, Commanding Officer of Joint Logistics Unit North, observed that Townsville can currently “surge for really short periods of time in terms of throwing some tents up… and housing a force for a short period of time”. However, to support prolonged or repeated deployments (including accommodating visiting allied units), more permanent infrastructure is needed. “If I was Prime Minister today,” LTCOL Francis said, “I would probably create much the same as what’s up in Darwin… essentially a whole heap of surge accommodation… run by industry and able to then manage the mounting base” requirements for real-life support. In other words, investing in dedicated logistics facilities and overflow accommodation in Townsville would allow the ADF to sustain larger force concentrations on a long-term basis – not just ad-hoc tent cities. Townsville’s defence community leaders emphasise that such strategic infrastructure investment is essential, not just beneficial. As one industry executive put it, “infrastructure investment here isn’t just beneficial, it’s absolutely essential for what’s coming next… but it’s also about investing in that workforce, because a thriving construction industry leads a thriving workforce… Australia’s defence ambitions are being tested by workforce shortages”. Strategic upgrades to bases, ports and logistics hubs in Townsville will directly bolster national security while also delivering economic benefits to the region.

Aviation Modernisation and Sustainment

New Apache and Chinook fleets bring opportunities and training needs for the local workforce

The Australian Army is undergoing its largest modernisation of aviation capabilities in decades, and Townsville is at the centre of this transformation. Lieutenant Colonel Steve Bates, Chief of Aviation Operations at the Army’s 16th Aviation Brigade, explained that Townsville is becoming the Army’s aviation centre of excellence. With the retirement of older helicopters and introduction of new fleets, “Townsville becomes the aviation centre of excellence with CH-47 Chinooks and AH-64E Apache [helicopters] operating under the 1st and 5th Aviation Regiments at RAAF Base Townsville”. The 16th Aviation Brigade headquarters has now relocated to Townsville along with a new 16th Aviation Support Battalion to provide logistics, maintenance and armament support for these units. In practical terms, this means both of Army’s heavy-lift Chinook helicopters and the incoming Apache attack helicopters will be based in Townsville, supported by dedicated personnel and infrastructure. Bates noted that Boeing Defence Australia is also “leading the largest defence helicopter industry hub right here in Townsville” to sustain these fleets, underscoring the strong industry partnership in the region.

With new platforms come significant sustainment and training efforts. Boeing’s Townsville hub is not only maintaining the current Chinook fleet but also preparing for the Apache’s introduction into service. Naomi Smith, Director of Sustainment Operations at Boeing Defence Australia, outlined how this transition is creating local jobs and skills. The Apache support contract will “create 230 new roles across Queensland over the next five years, with more than 160 of those in Townsville” – roles ranging from technicians to supply chain staff – which will boost the region’s aerospace industry base. To ensure a skilled workforce is in place, Boeing and its partners have launched new training initiatives. “Through this local technician training solution we will recruit, train and retain an initial local workforce of 36 technicians” at a new Townsville Aviation Training Academy, Smith said. The first cohort of local students will begin training in early 2026, learning to maintain both Apache and Chinook helicopters and earning qualifications in aviation maintenance. This investment in local training pipelines “will produce the next generation of aerospace workers right here in Townsville”. The forum discussion made clear that modernising aviation isn’t just about acquiring high-tech aircraft – it’s equally about developing people and facilities to support them. With Townsville now hosting two full aviation regiments and a regional industry support hub, the city will play a pivotal role in keeping Army’s helicopters flying and mission-ready for decades to come.

Dual-Use Local Infrastructure Planning

Integrating defence needs with ports, airfields, health and transport infrastructure for mutual benefit

Another key theme was the importance of dual-use infrastructure – assets that serve both Defence and the civilian community. Townsville already exemplifies this approach: its commercial port and airport handle civilian traffic but are also crucial for military deployments and disaster relief operations. Forum speakers argued for more such integrated planning to maximise both economic value and defence readiness. “We must think about investing in dual use and common-purpose facilities… that support local defence and civilian economic requirements,” said construction executive Glen Billington. By designing infrastructure to meet both military and public needs, Defence dollars can deliver broader benefits. Billington pointed to Townsville as “a great example” with a dual-use airport (RAAF Base Townsville shares runways with the civil airport) and port, but he urged planners to “think more broadly than that. Think about marine [infrastructure], think about transport, think about bridges, think about staging areas that support both civilian industry and also military operations into the future”. In practice, this could mean upgrades such as resilient highways and rail links that can handle military convoys but also improve local freight, or hospitals and communications networks in the region that boost civilian services while adding surge capacity for Defence in emergencies.

Dual-use planning was seen not only as a way to save money, but to increase resilience and readiness. Every major piece of infrastructure in North Queensland – be it an airfield, port, fuel depot, or road – could become critical in a crisis or conflict. Building extra capacity or redundancy now can ensure the ADF has options if one node is disrupted. As Billington noted, having “more than one supply line, [and] multiple airstrips that support the same aircraft… aren’t luxuries, they are safeguards” to keep operations going when the unexpected occurs. The forum emphasised that Townsville’s future projects should embrace this dual-use and “common user” mindset. By doing so, the region can support a larger Defence presence while also gaining civilian infrastructure upgrades – truly a win-win for North Queensland. It “gets greater value out of the very expensive investment” that defence infrastructure represents by also serving the public interest.

Speed of Delivery and Modular Construction

Faster, more flexible build approaches to meet urgent Defence needs

Many speakers acknowledged that traditional construction timelines do not match the urgency of Australia’s strategic environment. Defence infrastructure projects have a reputation for being slow, and the forum stressed the need to accelerate delivery. “Infrastructure has a well-earned reputation for being incredibly slow to be planned and delivered… and that therefore slows up its speed to be effective as a way of supporting defence capability,” Glen Billington observed. Yet in times of crisis or rapidly evolving threats, “speed is key. At times of crisis, speed matters – an infrastructure that supports rapid mobilisation is absolutely critical”. The ability to respond quickly can be the difference in a conflict, so enabling faster base and facility construction is now a priority.

One solution discussed at length was modularisation – prefabricating components or even whole facilities off-site to drastically cut on-site construction time. Billington shared lessons from projects where modular building techniques delivered dramatic results. In one case, instead of building structures piece by piece in the field, entire railway stations were built in a factory and then transported for installation. “What’s the result? Construction time has been reduced by 67%… with up to 85% reduction in workforce on site,” he reported, “all at a price equivalent to traditional construction methods”. By assembling components under controlled conditions, quality and safety improved as well. Applying these methods to Defence could mean things like modular base accommodations, portable headquarters, or rapid-deploy hospitals that can be built and installed in a fraction of the usual time.

Critically, adopting faster construction methods does not mean compromising on quality or capability. Defence requires tight compliance and reliability in its infrastructure, but as Billington noted, innovative solutions like modular construction can actually “support those [standards] without compromising… requirements – in fact they enhance them. We get more predictable construction, faster and more efficient outcomes”. The forum highlighted that to achieve the needed speed, Defence clients, designers and builders must plan for it from the start – embracing new techniques, smarter designs, and possibly accepting slightly less bespoke solutions in favour of ones that can be delivered quickly. The bottom line is that time has become a critical commodity. “In a crisis, the cost of failure is far greater than the cost of preparation,” Billington warned, “and time is that commodity that we just can’t buy anymore”. Streamlining construction through modularisation and other efficiencies will be vital to ensure that infrastructure is delivered before it’s urgently needed, not years afterward.

Local Economic Development and Workforce Pressures

Managing housing, education and transition challenges as Defence investment grows

Defence infrastructure investment in Townsville is bringing economic growth and jobs to the region – but it also comes with workforce and community pressures that must be managed. A recurring topic was the acute shortage of skilled workers, both in construction trades and in specialised technical roles, which is being felt nationwide. “Australia’s defence ambitions are being tested by workforce shortages,” Glen Billington noted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many at the forum. Major defence projects are ramping up at the same time as other industries (like mining and civil construction) are also booming, all competing for talent. This challenge has made building the local skills pipeline more important than ever. Forum speakers highlighted the need to invest in education and training – from apprenticeships to university programs – to develop a “pipeline of trained people… to build that resilient workforce for the future.” There was discussion of engaging high school students early, since “the children that are at school now… are the future project managers, engineers and trade professionals that will help deliver” the infrastructure and capabilities of tomorrow. Local TAFE and university initiatives, such as the new Aviation Training Academy and expanded STEM programs, are examples of how Townsville is tackling the skills gap by “producing the next generation of aerospace workers right here in Townsville”.

In the interim, to meet immediate labour needs, industry is also looking at creative solutions like tapping into interstate or international labour pools. One recruitment industry leader, Ross Thompson, noted the possibility of drawing on skilled workers from Pacific nations – but he cautioned that even if you can bring workers in, they need somewhere to live. “You have the best solutions that you like, but unless there’s accommodation for those individuals – [either] temporary accommodation for a surge contingent workforce or a more permanent workforce – [projects will stall],” Thompson said bluntly. Townsville is already experiencing housing pressures, with high rents and limited supply in some areas. Thompson explained that his firm has had to lease or even purchase housing to support large workforces in regional Australia, and argued for partnering with local councils on temporary worker accommodation villages to avoid bottlenecks. After all, “it’s pretty hard to attract someone, even if the dollars are all right, when the rent is so high” in the area.

The forum underscored that economic development and community well-being go hand in hand with defence expansion. Attendees discussed supporting transitioning ADF personnel into local civilian jobs (to retain their skills in the region), improving educational pathways, and ensuring that Defence families in Townsville have access to quality housing, healthcare and schools. In essence, building up the region’s human capital and liveability is just as important as building hard infrastructure. If done right, the Defence build-up in Townsville can leave a lasting legacy of prosperity – a stronger local workforce, better public amenities, and a community that thrives alongside the growing military presence.

Local Industry Partnerships and Sovereign Capability

Partnering with local businesses to build Australia’s self-reliance in defence

Finally, the Townsville forum emphasised that developing sovereign industrial capability is a strategic imperative – and that means deepening partnerships with local industry. Across the board, there was a call to involve North Queensland companies in Defence projects, both to spur regional economic growth and to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers. “By investing in local manufacturing, maintenance and supply chains, we can reduce the reliance on foreign providers and ensure we can sustain our defence assets independently,” Glen Billington argued. This push for autonomy aligns with national strategy: in today’s uncertain world, having the ability to build and maintain critical capabilities onshore – from vehicles and aircraft to facilities and ammunition – is seen as vital for Australia’s security.

Townsville and Queensland are positioning themselves to contribute more to this sovereign capability goal. Janelle Poole noted the state’s new $180 million Sovereign Industry Fund aimed at expanding local manufacturing and services for Defence. Meanwhile, companies like Boeing are actively growing the local supply chain for new platforms. “At Boeing, we understand the importance of developing a sovereign defence capability. Our partnerships with local businesses and our investment in workforce development are key components of this strategy,” Naomi Smith said. She explained how Boeing’s sustainment team is working with Townsville-area suppliers and training local technicians so that the Apache and Chinook helicopter fleets can be supported in-country for their whole life. “By fostering a robust local supply chain, we can ensure that Australia is well equipped to meet its defence needs now and into the future”, Smith added. The Australian Defence Force itself “has recognised the critical role of local industry in achieving its objectives,” treating industry as a “fundamental input to capability” alongside military personnel and equipment. In practical terms, this means Defence is actively seeking out Australian small and medium enterprises to contribute ideas and components, whether for construction projects or high-tech systems, and is increasingly mandating local content in contracts.

Success stories from the region were shared to reinforce this approach. One notable example was the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) facilities project at Shoalwater Bay, not far from Townsville. Billington noted that on that project, “80% of all contracts were procured local[ly]” – resulting in about “$477 million of Commonwealth funds… invested in the local region”. Dozens of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) benefited, gaining experience and growing their capabilities by delivering parts of a major defence project. Those local firms have since been able to take on other large projects, thanks to the boost from Defence work. Such outcomes illustrate how local industry partnerships build long-term capacity: they create jobs now, but also foster skills and innovation that endure. As Smith highlighted, this collaboration “not only drives innovation but also creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in our communities”. In short, developing North Queensland’s industry base is not just regional development – it directly contributes to a more secure and self-reliant Australia.

Conclusion

From the 2025 Townsville Defence Forum, a clear picture emerges: Townsville is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in Australia’s defence strategy, and smart infrastructure investment underpins it all. Strategic investment in our bases, ports, logistic hubs and the civil infrastructure that allows Defence to operate in this region “is a direct investment in national security”. Such investment also fuels North Queensland’s economic prosperity and strengthens the “citizens, partnerships and communities that make defence resilient, responsive and… ready”. By modernising facilities and fleets, embracing faster construction methods, and empowering local people and businesses, Townsville is not only enhancing the Australian Defence Force’s capabilities – it is also building a stronger, more sovereign industrial base at home. The forum’s insights make one thing evident: the path to a ready and resilient defence force lies as much in infrastructure and collaboration on the ground as it does in the assets and troops that deploy. Townsville, with its unique advantages and committed stakeholders, is taking that message to heart and positioning itself as Australia’s leading defence infrastructure hub for the years ahead.

Author: Darian Macey

Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.