Council proud to play its part in Austral Shield 2026
Published on 06 July 2026
Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) is proudly playing its part in assisting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for Exercise Austral Shield 2026.
Exercise Austral Shield is a biennial activity designed to strengthen the ADF’s ability to respond to domestic security threats.
The exercise runs from 3-19 July and focuses on protecting critical infrastructure essential to maintaining societal function, while demonstrating a coordinated, multi-agency response across Defence, law enforcement and all levels of government.
Gladstone Region Mayor Burnett said residents and visitors may see and hear military vehicles, watercraft, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as military personnel carrying weapons and using blank ammunition during the exercise.
“We are expecting approximately 200 personnel will be deployed in our region for this exercise, so it is likely the community will see a military presence during this time,” Mayor Burnett said.
“It’s fantastic to welcome the Australian Defence Force to our region and we’re looking forward to working side by side with our soldiers and emergency services personnel across the next two weeks.
IMAGE: LTCOL Nick Perriman, Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and Inspector Brett Everest.
The Commanding Officer of the ADF’s Joint Task Force 629.3 (JTF629.3) Task Unit that will be operating in Gladstone during Exercise Austral Shield 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Perriman said the ADF is looking forward to working with partner agencies to enhance security and Defence relationships with the community within the Gladstone Region.
“Exercise Austral Shield is designed to demonstrate JTF629’s ability to protect Australians, critical infrastructure and national resources, as well as our readiness to respond to domestic security challenges,” LTCOL Perriman said.
“Exercise Austral Shield aims to strengthen cooperation and preparedness across government, ensuring agencies can operate seamlessly in high-pressure environments, while building and maintaining good regional stakeholder and community relationships.
“We are excited to be working with Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Port Corporation, Gladstone Airport Corporation, the Queensland Police Service and a number of other interagency partners in and around Gladstone during Exercise Austral Shield 26.”
IMAGE: Representatives from the Australian Defence Force, Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Ports Corporation and Queensland Police Service.
Mayor Burnett said it was understandable that the community would be eager to observe and engage with the ADF members.
“There will be an opportunity for the community to interact with ADF personnel and other agencies at a Connecting Community and Defence Open Day from 10am-2pm on Saturday 11 July at the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct," he said.
The Connecting Community and Defence Open Day will feature vehicle displays, representatives from the Army, Queensland Police Service and State Emergency Service, alongside a sausage sizzle cooked by Young Veterans CQ and Gladstone RSL Sub Branch, face painting, music and other defence-related games and activities suitable for the whole family.
IMAGE: The Connecting Community and Defence Open Day will be held at Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct on Saturday, 11 July.
Mayor Burnett added that attracting an increased Defence presence in Central Queensland remains a priority of GRC and neighbouring councils within the Central to Defence working group.
“Cities such as Townsville and Darwin demonstrate how a Defence presence can strengthen regional economies by supporting local businesses, attracting skilled workers and creating long-term employment opportunities,” he said.
“I would love to see those same positive impacts replicated here in Gladstone and Central Queensland.”
Residents and visitors who have concerns about activity during this training exercise can phone 1800 233 3937 (1800 ADF Exercise) at any time until 22 July.