The Australian Defence Force, consisting of the Army, Air Force and Navy, has operated and trained in the Region for more than 100 years. Bases in Townsville and Cairns serve as key platforms for defence operations in the Region alongside training sites in Shoalwater Bay, Cowley Beach and other places. Regular training activities, such as Exercise Wallaby, occur in designated areas. These areas cover less than 4 per cent of the Region (Figure 5.3).
Defence activities have occurred in the Region for more than 100 years