Rockhampton Regional Council, Media Release, 27 September 2023
Rockhampton Regional Council are pleased to welcome the Singapore Armed Forces to the region for Exercise Wallaby with more than 2000 personnel expected to visit the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo.
Rockhampton Zoo is home to almost 100 animals spanning more than 30 species of native and exotic animals, which has provided a great showcase to our Singaporean friends.
More than 200 soldiers will be welcomed through the gates on any given day this month, however over 2000 personnel are expected to be visiting the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo through the course of Exercise Wallaby.
Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams was delighted to be able to greet the Singapore Armed Forces himself at the gates of Rockhampton Zoo.
“We’re very proud to have a long-standing partnership with the Singapore Armed Forces and we look forward to that relationship continuing.”
“The relationship with the Singaporean Armed Forces continues to strengthen with Exercise Wallaby currently in operation throughout September and October now in its 33rd year.”
“These exercises have forged an enduring friendship between Australia and Singapore, and they provide a positive economic benefit to our region.”
In existence since 1965, and now with the $2.25 billion Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative, Shoalwater Bay plays an important part in making Central Queensland as the leading defence training destination for Australian and international defence forces.
Background
Exercise Wallaby 2023 will run from 29 August until 20 October. Beginning in 1990, the exercise occurs annually.
Exercise Wallaby is a major military activity in the Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay Area, conducted by the Republic of Singapore.
With Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area about four times the size of Singapore, the exercise allows Singapore Armed Forces to conduct training at a scale, size, and complexity that cannot be done at home.
Rockhampton Regional Council has a strong and long-standing relationship with the Republic of Singapore and the Singapore Armed Forces to support Exercise Wallaby and further alignment and fostering of our defence, culture and economic partnership.
