The US might have withdrawn its forces from Iraq this week, but it’s about to start a whole new conflict much closer to home.

Starting on Sunday, and continuing for the next two weeks, thousands of American troops will be heading to Rockhampton in Central Queensland, to wage simulated war against Australian combat troops.

The Australian Defence Force says it’s a necessary training exercise.

However, activists are heading to Rockhampton, to protest against the war games, which they say will cause great environmental damage, and are an unnecessary expense to the taxpayer.

2SER's Julia Holman reports.