A major milestone has been reached on the $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program with the appointment of Downer as preferred supplier to build and deliver 65 next generation trains and associated infrastructure.
The Program is projected to create up to 3,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing, including about 800 good, secure jobs in Maryborough where the new trains are going to be built.
“Supporting jobs in traditional industries like manufacturing is important, especially in regional centres like Maryborough.
“This will be a game changer that secures the future of manufacturing for Maryborough.
“Downer has a strong track record of delivering here in Australia, and around the world, so Queensland’s future fleet is in good hands,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
The State will have a Queensland-built fleet of trains by 2032.
According to Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, the decision highlights regional Queensland’s manufacturing capability.
“The pandemic reminded us just how important it is for our state to be able to stand on its own two feet when global supply chains are affected by external events.
“Building these trains here will utilise the existing skills base that was first established in Maryborough when Walkers opened in 1867.
“But it will also sustain a new generation of workers with the highly specialised skills needed for an operation like this,” the Treasurer said.
Following a robust procurement process, Downer was chosen as the preferred supplier out of three shortlisted applicants.
Downer’s scope of works under their contract will include:
“Downer is proud to be part of this project, which will change the way people travel around South East Queensland.
“We look forward to working closely with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver this critical project for the people of Queensland,” Downer Chief Executive Officer Grant Fenn said.
The new state-owned train manufacturing facility is going to be built at Torbanlea, about 25 kilometres north of Maryborough. Early works on the facility commenced last year and major construction is scheduled to begin later this year.
In addition to new trains and facilities, the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will also deliver ongoing new rail maintenance jobs at the facilities in the State’s south-east.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that the proposal Downer has presented offered a strong value for money as well as leading-edge accessibility and a modern design while still delivering maximum benefit to the region and the entire State.
“What we want is a superior level of service for commuters and tourists alike as we respond to population growth, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
“The Palaszczuk Government will now work closely with Downer to undertake detailed design on the trains to ensure they are customer-focussed and fully accessible for passengers.
“We’ve also listened to Queensland Rail customers and the trains will have bike racks and USB mobile phone charging stations to make travelling a breeze for commuters,” Minister Bailey said.
Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders also welcomed the announcement of the preferred supplier.
He said that the $7.1 billion Program will deliver 800 construction and manufacturing jobs in Maryborough over the next 10 years.
“That’s 800 jobs, supporting families, keeping skills in the region and supporting the overall economy.
“This is big news for Queensland, for Maryborough and for commuters far and wide,” Mr Saunders said.
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program includes:
Through the Program, the State Government is partnering with the Department of Education to provide young Queenslanders in the region “with a pathway into a skilled job opportunity in our own backyard”.
“We want the next generation to play a key role in the construction of the 65 new six-car trains.
“We’re not just backing Queensland made trains, we’re investing in skills, training and pathways into the industry,” Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said.
Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said manufacturers in the State are some of the bests in the world.
“It’s fantastic to be part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government that’s bringing train manufacturing back to local workshops.
“If we can make it here in Queensland, then there’s absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t be.
“We’re now right on track to creating more good jobs and boosting services,” Minister Butcher said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Downer Group; Infrastructure Magazine