Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

The world is watching Central Queensland. Right now, Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay are at the heart of the largest Talisman Sabre military exercise in history, with a record 19 nations and over 35,000 defence personnel taking part. What began two decades ago as a joint Australia-US operation has grown into a truly global defence collaboration, with allies like the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Fiji joining forces right here in our own backyard. Shoalwater Bay has proven itself time and time again as one of the finest military training areas in the world.

This Talisman Sabre exercise will see high-tech missile launchers, amphibious landings and air combat drills at this world-class military training ground. While our forces train for our global security, our local economy gets a major boost. Rockhampton hotels are fully booked, restaurants are bustling and businesses are thriving. The flow-on effect from thousands of boots on the ground is undeniable. It's supporting jobs, hospitality and services across the region.

Shoalwater Bay isn't just a strategic asset for our nation; it's an economic powerhouse for Central Queensland. It puts Rockhampton on the world map and drives real dollars into our local economy. Shoalwater Bay isn't just a strategic asset; it's a driving force behind Rockhampton's growing reputation as a reason that delivers. Whether it's for national defence or economic opportunity, Central Queensland is proving that it has the capability, capacity and community to support operations on a global scale.

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