Three councils in central Queensland are actively working to attract the Australian Defence Force's attention, advocating for a more significant military presence in their region. The councils, located in Rockhampton, Livingstone, and Gladstone, have formed the Central to Defence Working Group to outline their pitch for enhancing Defence capabilities in the area. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to prioritize northern Australia for military investment, aiming to mirror the positive economic impacts seen in other cities like Darwin and Townsville, where a strong Defence presence has led to substantial local growth.

Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett emphasized the potential benefits for local economies from increased Defence activity, pointing to the transformation experienced by other cities with military installations. The region boasts one of the largest military training sites in Australia, along with a deepwater port and an airport, making it an attractive proposition for Defence investments. A detailed business case supporting this endeavor is expected to be finalized later this year, further outlining how these developments could spur economic growth.

The push for a new Defence hub in central Queensland is indicative of the increasing focus on strengthening Australia's northern regions, particularly in response to evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific. By highlighting its geographical advantages and existing infrastructure, the Central to Defence Working Group aims to secure a more prominent role for their region in the national Defence strategy, potentially leading to job creation, infrastructure advancements, and a revitalized local economy as Defence operations expand.