JOINT AMPHIBIOUS FORCE CAPABILITY

Growth Opportunity

The 2020 Defence Strategy Update and Force Structure plan, describes Defence intention to invest in critical enabling infrastructure such as ports, wharves, fuel and explosive ordinance facilities and development. The plan also includes a requirement to support Army watercraft in Northern Australia.

Strategically located on Australia’s north east coast, Townsville is ideally suited as an amphibious mounting base for operations into the Pacific region. With close proximity to the majority of the ADF’s specialist amphibious, land and aviation force elements, the Port of Townsville offers easy access and shorter transits to major joint exercise and possible operating areas to the north and east of Australia.

The Port has commenced an upgrade program that includes deeper and wider approach entrance channels, extra berths, and significant land reclamation. A master plan is under development to guide the direction and future expansion of the Port for the next 30 years. Recent meetings with Defence recognised this upgrade and planning activity presents a window of opportunity for consultation and cooperation to ensure possible efficiencies. Operational requirements are carefully considered in the Port development long term planning process.

If Defence is considering increasing capacity at Townsville beyond the current limited availability, including a facility to support Army watercraft, a time sensitive window exists to consider future threats and opportunities linked to planned port expansions. Defence and the Port agreed to meet regularly to identify any operational restrictions or possible efficiencies for defence infrastructure that will be far more expensive to implement once the current upgrade is completed.

Fully supporting this consultation process will maximise the mutual benefit opportunities for Defence and Townsville North Queensland to support the amphibious capability.

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