The regiment was formed on 13 January 2003, in order to serve as the administrative headquarters for a number of squadron-level subunits, which had previously been independent.

[1] Attached to the 6th Brigade, the regiment's subunits – the 17th and 21st Construction Squadrons, the 1st Topographical Survey Squadron and the 20th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron – were spread across three different locations: Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera; RAAF Base Amberley in Amberley; and Holsworthy Barracks in Holsworthy.

[2] By virtue of the regiment's function, the majority of its 600 personnel are regular soldiers drawn from the Royal Australian Engineers,[1] although various other corps provide administration clerks, drivers, mechanics and quartermasters.

Personnel from the regiment have undertaken numerous deployments since its establishment, and the regiment provided the headquarters element for Reconstruction Task Force 4, which deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as part of Operation Slipper.

[3] The 17th Construction Squadron relocated to RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland from Holsworthy Barracks in New South Wales.