More Defence training means more opportunity for Territory businesses

From the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Victoria Daly Region, communities stand to benefit from the ADF’s decision to diversify where they train. With troops to transport and supplies to pack, local businesses are now in a position to plug in - and profit.

Military exercises are being held in more locations, with businesses across the Territory now in a prime position to cash in.

Military activities in the Northern Territory are ramping up, and so too is the scope for local businesses keen to jump in on the action.

With defence projects across the Territory backed by almost $6bn in approved funds, it is projected the ADF’s presence will reach new heights in the coming years.

Reinforcing this prediction is the Trump Administration’s stake in the game, with the US pushing more money into the region than any other foreign power.

Beyond construction and development, however, the need to support troops and assets spread out across the region is opening the door wide for businesses to plug into a large-scale supply network.

Change of scenery amid ‘littoral’ shift

Spurred by the need to transition to a littoral identity, local army units have slowly started to break free of the back-to-back Mount Bundey experience.

While most land-based activities can be conducted at the Mount Bundey training facility, the need to integrate with water-based assets and critical infrastructure has seen troops venture into new locations, such as Gove Peninsula, Melville Island and the streets of Katherine, where residents have become familiar with the sight of armoured vehicles.

Last year, the ADF staged activities in Nhulunbuy (pictured).

During Exercise Predator’s Run 2024, a large contingent of troops from 1st Brigade were stationed in Nhulunbuy for consecutive weeks, where some were attached to the local hospital.

In the same exercise, ADF transited through towns such as Maningrida and Jabiru as part of a large-scale activity which spanned 10,000 square kilometres.

Visitors from SA

Not to be left out, Centralians can also expect more customers in uniform.

From 2026, Adelaide’s 10th Brigade - known as the army’s ‘fires brigade’ - will be home to some of the ADF’s most sophisticated land-based weapon systems, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

Defence Minister Richard Marles (right) and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy (left) with a HIMARS platform (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

Both systems are long-ranged weapons capable of prosecuting targets hundreds of kilometres away.

The real estate required to safely test the weapons gives the ADF a very short list of potential playgrounds - to be exact, seven across Australia.

The NT is home to three of those training areas: Mount Bundey, Bradshaw, and Delamere Air Weapons Range, which is about 120 km south of Katherine.

Should 10th Brigade opt to move the assets by road or rail, they would require a detailed transport plan supported by logistic nodes along the way.

Delamere Air Weapons Range is one of the few training areas that can accommodate the HIMARS.

In Queensland, the army’s 3rd and 7th Brigade draw upon local industry situated along the Bruce Highway in support of their regular trips to Shoalwater Bay.

In similar fashion, 10th Brigade are expected to draw upon industry talent along the Stuart Highway to keep their convoy moving - both north and south.

Asked if there was scope for civilian mechanics to have a hand in servicing the HIMARS, a defence spokesman said it was possible.

Could 10th Brigade commanders call on the services of local industry in Alice Springs?

“Army routinely shares equipment maintenance responsibilities between uniformed tradespeople within units and civilian partners at deeper maintenance facilities,” a defence spokesman told this masthead.

“This model will continue to be employed for HIMARS, as it is for the rest of Army’s vehicle fleet.”

Spreading the love

Boasting 9000 square kilometres, Bradshaw is one of the nation’s most notorious military training areas.

Due to its remoteness, when foreign troops sought to train at Bradshaw they typically had to fly to Darwin International Airport, catch the army bus and road trip six-and-a-half hours south.

Into the future, however, the Department of Defence hopes to cut out the middle man by flying troops directly to the action.

Thanks to Nackeroo Airfield, more activities at Bradshaw Training Area are expected in the coming years.

The completion of Nackeroo Airfield in Bradshaw Training Area last year gives foreign commanders the option to bypass Darwin entirely - saving time and resources.

Further, the facility has been fitted with a 250-man accommodation building - allowing units to take a break from the bush, refit and extend their stay at the training ground.

A HIMARS platform in Bradshaw Training Area.

While supplies could be flown in with the troops, replenishment can be sought in the near-region.

Just three hours up the Victoria Highway, Katherine can support the establishment with fuel, equipment and food as needed.

With Katherine locals already accustomed to the tyranny of distance, the Top End town is well placed to support the mammoth exercises likely to be held at Bradshaw into the future.

Hidden potential near Darwin

Amid growing demand for logistics support in the north, the NT Government has identified a ready-to-go solution.

Anticipating a surge in troops and assets, US Department of Defense has expressed interest in working collaboratively with locals to deliver a storage facility which can house military vehicles and kit.

Opposite Robertson Barracks, Holtze Industrial Estate has been branded by the NT Government as a significant industrial opportunity.

Across the road from Robertson Barracks, the Holtze Industrial Estate has been shortlisted by the Finocchiaro Government as an ideal starting point for businesses keen to jump on the opportunity.

Sitting on more than 50 hectares, the estate offers lot sizes between 6500 to 50,000 sqms.

Considered by government officials as a significant industry opportunity, the estate offers a stakeholder the chance to care for military assets across land, air and sea.

Originally published as More Defence training means more opportunity for Territory businesses