QLD announces historic investment in train manufacturing

Queensland - QLD - Rail - Train - Technology - upgrades- — Image courtesy of Queensland Rail Travel.

The Queensland Government has announced a $7.1 billion investment to manufacture trains, set for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, in regional Queensland.

Sixty-five new trains will be built at a purpose-built, publicly-owned train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, about 25 kilometres north-west of Maryborough.

Labor had pledged $600 million to build 20 new trains in the region during the 2020 state election campaign, with an option for a further 45.

“It’s now clear we’ll need a full complement of trains to cater for growth in years to come,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, speaking in Maryborough yesterday.

The $7.1 billion investment will include new rail infrastructure in the south-east and ongoing maintenance of the newest fleet.

Premier Palaszczuk said the historic investment would create 800 new full-time jobs in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

“This is 800 jobs for this region — this is a significant announcement, 800 jobs, long-term secure jobs, setting rail manufacturing up here for the decades to come.”

Ms Palaszczuk said it was the first “local-procurement” announcement for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“Because these trains will be needed for the Olympics, for our Cross River Rail,” she said.

“It is about investment, investment in train manufacturing here — but in terms of supply chains, it stretches to Rockhampton. There’s going to be announcements on the Gold Coast as well.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the plan would support jobs and infrastructure growth for the entire Central Queensland region.

“Central Queensland has a proud rail history dating back to the 1800’s, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to continuing the region’s legacy,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“We’re in the process of acquiring the Rockhampton Rail Workshops, and now this historic investment in Queensland rail manufacturing and supply will no doubt attract more rail suppliers to the region.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said it follows another recent rail investment in the region.

“Just last week we were at Austrak’s 50-worker strong Parkhurst facility announcing a three-year contract renewal to supply Queensland Rail’s sleepers,” Ms Lauga said.

“Now to see an investment of this scale across Queensland’s rail network, suppliers can be even more confident coming and setting up shop in Central Queensland.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the rail plan would create jobs in Central Queensland to support Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.

“Labor’s plan is about locking in secure jobs and training opportunities for a generation of Queensland workers,” Mr Bailey said.

“That includes in Central Queensland, where locals will benefit from a guaranteed pipeline of investment.

“Queensland built trains. Made by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.”

Cross River Rail is on track for first services to begin operating in 2025, which is also when the first trains from Maryborough are deemed to hit tracks.