ArMy PreSence in South AuStrAliA - Defence SA

ChAPTer 6:
CuLTAnA TrAInIng AreA
Importance
151. The proximity and utility of training areas is
becoming an increasingly fundamental factor
in determining the success of Army basing
decisions. The primary training area for Army in
South Australia is CUTA and its adequacy will
be decisive when assessing the potential for
basing additional Army units in South Australia.
152. The current size of CUTA is inadequate
for use by a mechanised battle group. The
expansion of CUTA was therefore initiated
by the South Australian Government in 2003
when it suggested an expanded CUTA as the
1st Brigade’s wet season training area. It was
clear that finalisation of the planned expansion
would also generate a very attractive offering to
the ADF with a range of single service and joint
options for exercising.
153. The importance of this project to Army and
therefore its importance to Army’s existing and
expanded presence in South Australia, cannot
be over emphasised. Without the expansion
it is unlikely that CUTA will remain an ADF
Category 1 Training Area and Range or that
Army will have further interest in expanding its
presence in South Australia. Indeed, contrary
to the promise of an expanded CUTA, failure
to complete in a timely manner may mean that
CUTA is instead seen as a liability by Defence.
154. Finalisation of the CUTA expansion is therefore
the key to future Army development in the
State. In military terms, the expansion of CUTA
is the ‘vital ground’ 29 for South Australia.
Completion of the expansion
155. To effect the completion of the expansion, there
are a range of issues that must be resolved
and a series of subsequent matters that require
completion before the extended facility can be
used by Army. While the Study has not been
briefed on existing project planning, which
should account for these issues and much
more, they are listed here to highlight the range
and diversity of considerations that still require
resolution. This is not an exhaustive list.
2012
• Agreements. A range of agreements
and other planning issues are yet to
be finalised including:
– Indigenous Land Use Agreement. An
Indigenous Land Use Agreement has
been concluded with the main local
indigenous groups, but remains six
months away from final execution.
– Miscellaneous Lease for Defence
Purposes. The transfer of lands from
local pastoralists to Defence under
the Miscellaneous Lease for Defence
Purposes is yet to be concluded.
A recent Senate Estimates Committee
hearing indicated progress had
been made but no time frame for
concluding the agreement
was mentioned.
– Environmental. The land use on the
existing CUTA site and planning the
expanded CUTA to ensure appropriate
rotation and revegetation needs to be
planned and monitored. This includes
finalisation of the Environmental
Impact Statement and associated
public consultation process. It will also
involve improving the pastoral land
currently leased by graziers which has
been allowed to deteriorate due to the
expected transfer to Defence.
– Community Expectation Management.
To ensure success, the local communities
of Port Augusta and particularly Whyalla
need to be brought on side. They need
to better understand what they will gain
from the expansion as well as what
they perceive they will lose. This may
be helped if Defence was to make it
clear how the regional economy will be
stimulated, this may be through local
purchasing, the use of local contractors
in support of Defence activity related to
the development and ongoing use of
CUTA and the establishment of an EEP of
heavy vehicles and equipment at Baxter.
Army Presence in South Australia Maintaining the Momentum 58