What’s Happening?
Toowoomba residents are invited to a community information session on Monday, 16 November 2026, about the divestment of Milne Bay Training Depot.
The Australian Department of Defence will host the meeting at The Annex on Ruthven Street as part of its Delivering the Future Estate initiative.
Residents will have an opportunity to speak with government representatives about the divestment process, transition planning and next steps.
Why It Matters
Milne Bay Training Depot is an Army Reserve and cadet training facility in Harristown that Defence has identified for full divestment.
The proposed changes involve relocating personnel and cadet activities to other facilities.
Defence has also indicated that it will engage with existing tenants as part of the process.
Local Impact
The depot occupies a 3.7-hectare site at 60–64 O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba.
Defence plans to relocate personnel to Swartz Barracks in Oakey or Borneo Barracks in Cabarlah.
Meanwhile, cadets will remain in the region. Their relocation options include a multi-user depot at either barracks or a new lease at a community venue or school.
By The Numbers
- 200–250: Cadets listed among the depot’s occupants.
- 50–100: Australian Defence Force reservists listed among its occupants.
- 10–50: Australian Defence Force personnel listed among its occupants.
Zoom In
The community information session will take place at The Annex, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Monday, 16 November 2026.
A Defence address and question-and-answer session are scheduled for 6pm.
Zoom Out
An earlier community information session took place in Toowoomba in April 2026 to discuss the Defence Estate Audit and proposed site divestments.
Defence said community feedback from that consultation will help inform transition planning and the next steps.
What To Look For Next?
Residents can find further information about the depot and register for future divestment updates through the Department of Defence’s Milne Bay Training Depot page.