Increased military activity in Charters Towers Region
Published on 18 July 2025
Charters Towers Regional Council advises residents of increased military activity in the region as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, Australia’s largest international defence training exercise, running from 13 July to 4 August 2025.
This year’s exercise will involve over 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations, with activities taking place across Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Charters Towers and Mingela are identified as one of the key training locations in North Queensland.
Mayor Schmidt is encouraging residents to remain aware but not alarmed due to the activities being routine and carefully planned.
Residents can expect to see a noticeable increase in military vehicles, aircraft, equipment, and personnel throughout the exercise period.
Activities will include amphibious landings, airborne operations, and combat training across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains.
Road Safety Reminder:
Motorists are urged to exercise caution around military convoys:
- Maintain safe distances, especially from tracked vehicles
- Avoid overtaking long convoys unless clearly safe
- Follow all traffic signage and escort vehicle instructions
“The Australian Defence Force has assured us that all necessary safety and environmental precautions are in place.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and support during this important training event,” continued Mayor Schmidt.
More information on the exercise can be found at www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/exercises/talisman-sabre.
Should the community have any queries about any activity during this training exercise, please contact 1800 ADF EXERCISE (1800 233 3937). This number will be staffed by the Exercise Control Centre 24/7 until the completion of the exercise.
Information on aircraft noise is available at www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise or by calling 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).
Photo: Major General Ozanne (Commander 3rd Division, France), Colonel Wierzbinsky (France), Colonel Aruma (Deputy Commander 3rd Australian Brigade) with support troops, visit Charters Towers Regional Council to say thanks to the community for hosting partnered elements for Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.