Army Aviation to establish Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA) near Townsville

The arrival of a fearsome new fleet of Apache attack helicopters will make Townsville the largest Army Aviation site in Australia and require a vast new training area.

Christian, Doris and Erica Smith from Donnington Airpark with Major Luke Crow from Army Aviation Training Centre beside a 5th Aviation Regiment CH-47F Chinook helicopter at Townsville, Queensland. Graziers and landowners in north Queensland are assisting Army Aviation with new helicopter training areas near Townsville. Picture: CFN Luke Hollowood

The imminent arrival of a fearsome new fleet of Apache attack helicopters will make Townsville the largest Army Aviation location in Australia, with landholders recruited for use of their ground in a vast new training area.

The Department of Defence said on Friday that graziers and landowners were helping Army Aviation establish the proposed Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA), which would extend more than 60 kilometres to the south and south-west of Townsville city.

Army Aviation Training Centre instructor Major Luke Crow said it needed to expand the current training area given the growing number of aircraft based in Townsville, including the arrival of the AH-64 Apache in 2025.

“We are preparing to be the largest Army Aviation location in the country,” he said.

“The Townsville community has been very supportive, with five landowners already agreeing to host seven helicopter landing pads,” he said.

“It’s a step by step process and we are seeking approval ahead of time.”

An Australian Army 5th Aviation Regiment CH-47F Chinook helicopter conducts external aviation transport training at Donnington Airpark, Townsville, Queensland. The proposed Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA) will extend more than 60 kilometres to the south and south west of the city. It is a crucial step towards accommodating the ADF’s growing aviation presence in North Queensland. Picture: CFN Luke Hollowood

Within the training area, rotary-wing crews will practice landings and take-offs, operating in confined spaces and carrying exterior loads.

A similar arrangement with about 50 private landowners is in place at Oakey west of Brisbane where Army aviators have access to train on 350,000 hectares.

An Apache AH-64 helicopter fires flares during a South Korea-US joint military drill in South Korea. The Australian Defence Force’s Army Aviation is expected to base 29 of the attack helicopters in Townsville from 2025. Picture: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP

Described as ‘flying neighbourly’, the access agreements are based on mutual goodwill and direct lines of communication between landowners and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Army Training Area Engagement Officer Corrie Van Rythoven said involving the community, keeping them informed and being flexible was key.

“It’s about building a relationship,” he said, “We can’t do what we do without the support of the community.”

An Australian Army 5th Aviation Regiment CH-47F Chinook helicopter conducts external aviation transport training at Donnington Airpark, Townsville, Queensland. Within the training area rotary wing crews will practice landings and take-offs, operating in confined spaces and carrying exterior loads. Picture: CFN Luke Hollowood

Among the first to allow Army Aviation units access to their property were the Smith family who owned and operated commercial airstrip Donnington Airpark at Woodstock, 40 kilometres to the south of RAAF Base Townsville.

The Smith family cited strong ties to the military and a long history of hosting air shows as part of the motivation for welcoming the Chinooks and Apaches.

“This place was always designed as a satellite airfield for Townsville so we’re pleased to see it get used, and variety is the spice of life,” Airpark operations manager Christian Smith said.

He said as long as landowners in the area knew about the helicopter visits it was a worthwhile venture.

“It’d be good if they keep local people involved and informed,” he said.

“Getting a heads-up that the choppers will be around, being forewarned that’s great.”

Originally published as Army Aviation to establish Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA) near Townsville