About the base
First used as a mobilisation and training area during World War 1. By 1939, the area was formally established as Puckapunyal Camp and military activity in the area began in the early 1940s. The camp's name was derived from the name of a large hill within the field training area, today known as Mount Puckapunyal. There is some uncertainty about the origins of the word ‘Puckapunyal’, the most common explanation being that is an aboriginal word meaning “Among the Hills”.
Today is home to the Headquarters of the Combined Arms Training Centre, School of Armour, School of Artillery, School of Transport, Army Knowledge Centre, and Joint Logistics Unit – Victoria.
Bushfire Town Hall 2024-2025 season
Puckapunyal is situated in one of the most fire-prone regions of the world, and its predominant eucalyptus forests have evolved to thrive on the phenomenon of bushfire. It is extremely important to understand how individuals and families may be impacted and how to prepare in the event the base is impacted by bushfire.
The purpose of this video is to provide an oversight of responsibilities and the importance of what to do in a Bushfire. It will also cover some of the tools to develop a bushfire survival plan.
Resources are also available via the Country Fire Authority Victoria website:
• Before and during a fire
• Can I or can’t I? guide
• Total fire bans and total fire ratings
• How to prepare your property.
Access
All visitors without a Defence Common Access Cards must use left entry lane at access control point. Upon presentation of a valid identification and satisfied the security pass procedures, the security officer may issue you with a Visitor Identification Pass (VIC). Visitors must be collected at access control point.
Entry is subject to the following conditions, failure to comply may result in removal and or exclusion from the base.
- obey the National Base Induction introduction, conditions of entry and health and safety guidelines
- only enter areas to which you have been granted access
- do not lend VIC to any other person
- ensure that accompanying children are adequately supervised.
Visiting hours
Access is available 24/7.
Business Hours are 6:30 am - 6:30 pm Monday - Friday. Access for work related purposes outside these hours require Base Manager approval.
Museum is temporarily closed:
The Australian Army Tank Museum has been closed to the general public from 4 pm 14 December 2022. The Museum will re-open late 2024 as the Combined Arms Heritage Learning Centre, which will encompass both the Armoured and Artillery Heritage Collections.
Road rules
Vehicles are to give way to a formed body of troops until permission to pass is indicated. Maximum speed when passing troops is 15km/h.
The Department of Defence accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles parked on base, or any goods or items carried in or on the said vehicle, whether caused or contributed to by negligence or in any manner whatsoever.
Vehicles are only to be parked in the designated parking areas.
Hazards
| Hazard | Description |
| Kangaroos | Feeding is prohibited. Avoid getting close as they will attack when feel threatened. Injured kangaroos please call 1300 658 975 immediately. |
| Grey Water | Untreated water used on the ovals that could potentially contain dangerous pathogen, bacteria and viruses. Water is not for drinking and contact with skin should be avoided. |
| Fauna | Motorists should be aware of a large fauna population and caution should be used when driving near wildlife. If you do hit or see injured wildlife advise your escort immediately or call 1300 658 975. |
| Bushfires | Located in bushland setting as such bushfires are possible. |
| Unexploded Ordnance | These are not expected to be located in common areas. If you are entering an area where these may be present your host will provide further specific advice. |
| Asbestos | There is no general safety concerns in regards to asbestos at the PMA. However if your are undertaking works on buildings on the site you are to check the asbestos register before commencing those works. |
| Noise | As PMA is a training establishment at times there will be noise associated with the training. |
| Radiation | There is no general safety concerns in regards to radiation, where risks exist a specific induction about safety will be provided by your host prior to entering those areas. |
| Chemicals | All chemicals at PMA are stored in accordance with regulations, visitors should ensure they follow all safety precautions associated with their use. |
Sirens will communicate information about the base security status and procedures. In the event you hear any of the following emergency warning tones, stop what you are doing immediately and follow the direction of your escort or ECO Warden. In the absence of direction, follow the procedures below and those detailed in the following pages of the National Base Induction.
|
Status |
Sounds |
Procedure |
|---|---|---|
|
Alert |
‘beep, beep, beep’ tone + ‘alert alert alert’ voice command |
Prepare to receive direction and maintain awareness. |
|
Evacuation |
‘whoop, whoop, whoop’ tone + ‘evacuate, evacuate, evacuate’ voice command |
Exit building and assemble at predetermined assembly area. Remain at assembly area and await further direction. |
|
Lockdown |
Rapid short ‘beeping’ tone + ‘lockdown, lockdown, lockdown’ voice command |
Follow the CLOSE procedure.
|
|
Stand down |
Low-pitched ‘buzzing’ tone + ‘stand-down, stand-down, stand-down’ voice command |
Resume normal activities. |
Call 000 for life threatening, critical or serious situations.
Emergency and Security
General enquiries: 03 5793 6074
Emergency: 03 5793 1501
General enquiries:
Base Management: vtbasesupport.pma@defence.gov.au.
Museum: 0437 206 482