‘Fast, reliable, mission-ready’: How industry is helping shape NQ’s defence capabilities

Defence industry experts got up close and personal with the latest military hardware and training facilities during a ‘Defence Day tour of Lavarack Barracks last week.

Northern Australia AIG head Dean Deighton and Commanding Officer 3rd Brigade Brigadier Ben McLennan with a new M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tank at Lavarack Barracks. Picture: Evan Morgan

Defence industry experts got up close and personal with the latest military hardware and training facilities during a ‘Defence Day tour of Lavarack Barracks last week.

It is the first time that defence industry representatives from the Australia Industry Group (AIG) have visited the city with the aim to strength the bonds between Defence and Industry.

During the Defence Day AIG delegates visited Oasis Townsville and also toured Lavarack Barracks to they experienced a range of demonstrations within our world-class simulation facilities, including the artillery ‘Dome’, the Weapons Training Simulation System and Battle Simulation Centre.

They also had the chance to get to grips with the equipment, vehicles and weapons used by soldiers from the Armoured Amphibious Brigade.

The 3rd Brigade, based at Lavarack Barracks, is progressively getting new defence platforms and capabilities in line with the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR).

northern Australia AIG head Dean Deighton said The AIG Defence Council chose to visit Townsville for its deep military heritage and growing strategic importance.

Northern Australia AIG head Dean Deighton and Commanding Officer 3rd Brigade Brigadier Ben McLennan with a new M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tank at Lavarack Barracks. Picture: Evan Morgan

“This is our first visit – one that’s been a long time coming,” Mr Deighton said.

“The goal of this tour is clear. Connect industry with Defence end users, explore North Queensland’s role in national security, and highlight the region’s readiness for Defence industry investment.

“It’s about starting a long-overdue conversation on how industry can better support Defence in this key region,” he said.

He said it was important for industry to work closely with Defence.

“Industry and Defence don’t just collaborate – they rely on each other.

“The Defence Council’s visit to Townsville highlights this interdependence. Industry needs direct feedback from the people using their equipment to refine and improve capability, while Defence depends on industry to develop and sustain technology that is fast, reliable, and mission-ready.

Northern Australia AIG head Dean Deighton and Commanding Officer 3rd Brigade Brigadier Ben McLennan with a new M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tank at Lavarack Barracks. Picture: Evan Morgan

“North Queensland’s strong military presence brings this relationship into sharp focus.

Here, industry gains first-hand insight into Defence’s needs and how best to meet them.

“The result is a more capable ADF and an industry that is sharper, more responsive, and aligned with Australia’s long-term security priorities,” he said.

Mr Deighton said the Garrison City offered the AIG delegates a unique defence experience.

“Townsville offers our attendees a rare, first-hand look at Defence in action.

Its military roots run deep, and today, it houses a Brigade integrating air, land, and sea operations – a combination not found elsewhere in the ADF.

“This multi-domain environment makes the region a living case study for industry, providing direct insight into operational challenges and requirements.

“Its proximity to key maritime zones further underscores its strategic significance.

“For industry, this is an opportunity to engage with Defence where capability meets operational reality – offering a clearer picture of how they can contribute to national security,” Mr Deighton said.

Commanding Officer 3rd Brigade Brigadier Ben McLennan said it was important to strengthen the ties between Defence and industry.

“Defence industry is inextricably linked to enabling us and what we do. Our role is to prepare in every respect for war, but we cannot do this alone, defence industry equip and enable us to reach our high performing potential, and achieve our mission,” the Brigadier said.

He said there would be future opportunities to further strengthen this bond with industry.

“There’s no doubt that Townsville is the best location in Australia for soldiers and Industry to live and work, it is the premier Garrison city.

“We will continue to engage with our partners in industry throughout 2025 as the 3rd Brigade receives a suite of new capabilities from tanks to artillery and heavy engineering equipment.

The Brigadier said there had been significant changes within 3rd Brigade in the past 30 years.

“When I served as a Platoon Commander in the 3rd Brigade 26 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed what the 3rd Brigade looks like now, the capabilities we have as the first Armoured Amphibious Brigade since WWII, I wouldn’t have believed it’s possible.

“We embrace the change that comes with the DSR, there is a lot of change here at the 3rd Brigade and our focus is to make sure we can use this incredible equipment to its full potential,” the Brigadier said.

Originally published as ‘Fast, reliable, mission-ready’: How industry is helping shape NQ’s defence capabilities