in the late 1970s, the australian government decided that an increased military presence was needed in the far north of the country to provide early warning in the event of incursions in to australian territory. to achieve this, three regional force surveillance units (rfsus) were established to carry out ground reconnaissance and surveillance. the first two units, the north-west mobile force and the pilbara regiment, were raised for service in western australia and the northern territory in 1981–1982. to extend this to the northern regions of queensland, it was decided to reform the 51st battalion. in 1985, the 51st independent rifle company was removed from the order of battle of the royal queensland regiment to become the 51st battalion, far north queensland regiment once again. the inaugural commanding officer was lieutenant colonel (kel)vin ryan.