Thursday, March 28, 2024

Weipa base preparing to play key role in exercise

Recent stories

A bare base sitting on the outskirts of Weipa will come to life next year as Australian and American troops descend on the Cape as part of a major training exercise.

RAAF Base Scherger will be a central location for Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise that brings the Australian and United States armed forces together, along with other allied nations. Historically, most exercises have been staged near training bases at Townsville and Shoalwater Bay.

Scherger has played a minor role in past exercises, including last year’s rendition, however that is expected to change next year. “We’ve been in discussions about it for quite a while now,” Weipa Town Authority chairman Michael Rowland said.

“Most of the exercises will be centred around Scherger, but there will be some activity around the harbour.”

Mr Rowland said an advance team from the US was expected to visit Weipa next month to scout locations.

“I think it will be a good thing for Weipa, even if we don’t see a great deal in town,” he said.

“I think the Americans see real value in Scherger and its location and harbour access.”

While no dates have been announced by the Australian Defence Force, next year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre is expected to happen between late July and early August.

Specialist forces from Japan, New Zealand and other nations could also participate.

The ADF did not respond to Cape York Weekly in time for publication, however an officer said locals could expect to see plenty of action next year.

“There’ll be a lot of jets flying in and out and there’s likely to be an activity that locals can come and watch,” he said. “We’re still in the planning phase, though.”

Cape York Weekly 25 October 2022

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 25 October 2022.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Sign up for updates from Australian Rural & Regional News

Manage your subscription

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

For all the news from Cape York Weekly, go to https://www.capeyorkweekly.com.au/