Games security drills start on Gold Coast

Armed soldiers and military vehicles have hit the streets of the Gold Coast for the first time in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games.

The army and Queensland police will be holding a security exercise at a Broadbeach shopping centre on Tuesday morning as part of preparations for the April 4-15 Games.

On Monday, police alerted locals to the exercises, informing them not to be surprised to see and hear military watercraft and vehicles, tactical equipment and soldiers carrying weapons or discharging blank or paint training ammunition.

A second exercise will be held in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the Marina Mirage shopping centre on the Spit.

Queensland police are urging people not to treat the exercises as a live threat.

"These exercises are an important component of the Australian government's commitment to ensuring that we host a safe and secure Games," a statement read.