Plan to rehome Army’s aviation contingent in NQ

Hundreds more Defence personnel should be moved to Townsville and a major military base expanded in the garrison city to help the nation defend itself during “uncertain times” an MP says.

HUNDREDS more Defence personnel should be moved to Townsville and a major military base expanded in the garrison city under a push by federal MP Phil Thompson.

Mr Thompson, a former soldier, wrote to Defence Minister Peter Dutton earlier this month and outlined his plan to consolidate Army’s 16th Aviation Brigade and relocate its headquarters from Enoggera to Townsville.

Australian Army CH-47 Chinooks from the 5th Aviation Regiment, load hay bales to deliver to remote bushfire effected farms on Kangaroo Island during OP Bushfire Assist.

The Brigade which commands most of Army’s aviation units, including Townsville’s 5th Aviation Regiment, has units spread across Darwin, Townsville, Oakey and Enoggera.

“This is operationally inefficient and replicates expensive support requirements. It also leads to disjointed command and control,” Mr Thompson said.

His push comes amid the Morrison Government’s ongoing attempt to frame national security as a major election issue and just days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Brisbane to announce the largest expansion of Australia’s military in peacetime, with the government to spend $38bn into 2040 growing the Defence workforce to more than 101,000 personnel.

Mr Thompson said Australia must be ready to protect itself and Townsville, with the already established Garbutt RAAF Base and proximity to world-class training areas, was strategically placed to become the home of the Brigade.

“There is very uncertain times and we need to always be at the ready,” he said.

Phillip Thompson and Peter Dutton visit Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. Picture: Supplied

“Russia invading Ukraine highlights the need for a strong Defence Force and a strong Defence capability.

“We need to have the assets and people to defend our nation and we need to have that now.”

But while Russia is dominating headlines, the looming threat of China is closer to home.

In the letter to the Defence Minister, Mr Thompson said Townsville was an ideal location with established facilities, support capabilities for maintenance and proximity to the port.

“Townsville has ideal flying conditions for training, and access to state-of-the-art ranges to enable training and readiness in conditions similar to what could be expected on future operations,” he said.

The Port of Townsville, which is undergoing expansion, is capable of docking large amphibious ships including the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ship (Landing Helicopter Dock).

Mr Thompson said he spoke to tactical soldiers on the ground before taking the plan to his party leaders, including Mr Dutton and Mr Morrison.

“As you have seen (in Ukraine) you need to be able to defend yourself for a period of time,” he said.

“If something happened in Australia, America does not get here in an hour … we may be weeks by ourselves.

“National security comes first and Townsville is the location for the 16th Aviation Brigade.”

Originally published as Plan to rehome Army’s aviation contingent in NQ