ADF Exercise Austral Shield to arrive in Cairns
The ADF has given a heads-up about blank round gunfire, pyrotechnics and simulated battle noise ahead of military vehicle convoys arriving in Cairns next week.
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Military vehicle convoys from Brisbane will begin arriving in Cairns next week to take part in Exercise Austral Shield.
The exercise is the Australian Army Reserve 11th Brigade’s major training activity for 2024 to practise rapid deployment of forces throughout Australia’s north.
Around 450 soldiers will join Australian Navy and Air Force personnel and other army elements from the Cairns region for the two-week military exercise.
The Australian Defence Force exercise in the Cairns region will run from July 12 to 28.
Far North residents have been given warning of military vehicles, helicopters, watercraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as military personnel carrying weapons during the day and night.
Blank ammunition, pyrotechnics and simulated battle noise will be used during some aspects of the training.
“You should not be alarmed if you hear or see any of the above,” an ADF spokesman said.
The Australian Defence Force is working closely with the Queensland Government, Cairns Regional Council, Queensland Police Service, media outlets and other emergency services to keep you informed of what is occurring and when it is occurring via the Cairns Regional Council social media page.
“This essential training is vital to maintain Australia’s world-class military capability,” the spokesman said.
Should you become concerned about any activity during this training exercise, please contact the Defence Joint Operations Support Services via email at joss.qld@defence.gov.au.
Originally published as ADF Exercise Austral Shield to arrive in Cairns
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