(Courtesy of the Department of Defence)
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon today said the agreement allowing the use of Shoalwater Bay, north of Rockhampton, was due expire in December 2009 but was now being considered for renewal.
"The Australian government is very serious about the environmental protection of Shoalwater Bay and its surrounding areas," Mr Fitzgibbon said in a statement today.
"Community groups and stakeholders will be consulted as part of the renewal of the agreement."
The bay is now hosting Exercise Wallaby 08, an air and land military exercise staged by the Singapore Armed Forces.
The exercise runs from October 3 to November 16 and has involved about 3,500 Singapore military personnel in war games which have included the use of Leopard battle tanks and F-16 Strike Fighter jets.
Mr Fitzgibbon visited the site today, where he met Singapore's defence minister Teo Chee Hean.
"Australia's relationship with Singapore is very strong and is based on a common strategic outlook," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
"It has been a great pleasure to see minister Teo again and to view some of the impressive capabilities on show in Exercise Wallaby."
Previous military exercises at the site have drawn protest rallies on nearby beaches and roads.
Environmental concerns have included naval ships passing through the Great Barrier Reef to reach Shoalwater Bay.
Fears are also held for migrating whales threatened by submarine sonar systems, while the dugong population is also at risk.
"Australia is committed to minimising the impact of exercises and training activities in areas such as Shoalwater Bay," Mr Fitzgibbon also said.
"We will make sure that these areas remain pristine for many years to come."
