ArMy PreSence in South AuStrAliA - Defence SA

ChAPTer 7:
ConCLuSIonS And reCoMMendATIonS
Conclusions
162. This Study set about identifying and exploiting
the synergies that have been generated
through existing and new Army units and their
activities occurring in South Australia. The
arrival of major elements of the 1st Brigade
has highlighted the possibilities and this is
linked to an unprecedented level of support
for Defence at the State Government level.
163. Care has been taken to ensure the Study has
not pre-empted the series of reviews currently
being completed by Defence, noting that all
may have direct and indirect impact on the
Army presence in South Australia. The Study
does, however, note the guidance of the 2009
Defence White Paper, acknowledging it will
remain current through to 2014 when the
next White Paper is due.
164. The benefits of South Australia presenting
a secure defensive position in the context
of defending the Australian mainland are
highlighted by the Study. It notes the benefits
and efficiencies of base consolidation and
identifies that the EDP offers an excellent
opportunity for this to occur. The Study also
highlights the particular strengths of Adelaide
for an Army garrison which present very
favourably within a national context.
165. An expanded CUTA, which is readily accessible
and available throughout the year, will become
the favoured training area for armoured,
cavalry and mechanised manoeuvre and the
report highlights the opportunities presented
as well as emphasising the need for the
expansion and development to be finalised.
166. This Study necessarily focused on
operational issues but clearly each of the
recommendations has an impact on Defence
resources and needs to be more deeply
analysed. Preliminary subjective analyses
suggest however, that the overall, long term
impact of the proposed initiatives on Defence
resources will be positive and well worth
pursuing through thorough investigation and
the development of individual business cases.
2012
recommendations
167. The Study makes the following
recommendations:
Recommendation 1
Defence SA supports Army in exploring options
for relocating selected elements of 1st Brigade
to Horseshoe Barracks (from Darwin).
Recommendation 2
Defence SA supports Army in examining the
potential for relocating to Horseshoe Barracks:
• Headquarters 6th (CS&ISTAR) Brigade
(from Sydney),
• 16th Air Land Regiment (from Woodside),
• 20th STA Regiment (from Brisbane), and
• Army EW capability, including 7th Signals
(EW) Regiment (from Cabarlah).
Recommendation 3
Defence SA highlights to Army the benefits of
relocating elements of 16th (Aviation) Brigade
to Adelaide (from Darwin, Townsville, Brisbane,
Sydney and Oakey).
Recommendation 4
Defence SA proposes to Army the relocation
of the Force Development Group within the
Land Warfare Development Centre (LWDC)
to Adelaide (from Puckapunyal).
Recommendation 5
Defence SA highlights to Army the benefits
of establishing the Combined Arms Fighting
System Centre in Adelaide.
Army Presence in South Australia Maintaining the Momentum 66