In one of the biggest army movements seen in Victoria in recent times, around 110 soldiers and 40 vehicles (including 23 armoured) will travel from the Simpson Barracks in Watsonia to Tasmania for part of an annual training exercise.

On Saturday 26 June, the movement will depart the Simpson Barracks at 2.00pm and travel to Port Melbourne to take the overnight voyage across Bass Strait on Spirit of Tasmania I .

"I imagine it's going to attract a lot of attention when all those army vehicles pass through the suburbs of Melbourne," said Spirit of Tasmania Captain David Lawrie. "Once they've loaded their vehicles and boarded the ship, they'll be able to relax for the overnight journey to Tasmania."

The 4 th Brigade will conduct their exercise in the Buckland training area, Tasmania.

The police escorted movement is expected to pass:

• Simpson Barracks-Greensborough Rd-Manningham Rd - 2.00pm-2.20pm
• Manningham Rd-Bulleen Rd-Eastern Freeway - 2.20pm-2.35pm
• Eastern Freeway-Hoddle St-Punt Rd - 2.35pm- 3.00pm
• Punt Road-St Kilda Junction-Fitzroy Street - 3.00pm-3.15pm
• Fitzroy St-Beaconsfield Parade-Station Pier - 3.15pm - 3.20pm

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For further Spirit of Tasmania information, contact:

Christina Koullas

Corporate Communications Coordinator

Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898

czk@spiritoftasmania.com.au

For further Army information, contact:

Captain Ian Toohill

Public Relations Officer

HQ 4 Brigade

Tel: 0414 359 365

iantoohill@optusnet.com.au