- Downer signs $4.6 billion contract to deliver Palaszczuk Government’s landmark Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
- The contract will deliver 65 passenger trains, for use on the South East Queensland rail network, and support 800 jobs in construction and manufacturing.
- The first train set to be delivered in 2026, with all 65 on track for 2032.
- Early works are underway at the state-owned Torbanlea facility where trains will be manufactured.
The $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is now in motion with a $4.6 billion contract now officially signed for Downer Group to design and manufacture these trains.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made a commitment to Queenslanders that rail manufacturing jobs would be returned to Maryborough, with this investment set to support 800 construction and manufacturing jobs.
Downer is now tasked with the manufacture 65 passenger trains at a state-owned purpose-built facility at Torbanlea.
Negotiations have been underway since Downer was announced as the preferred supplier for the program earlier this year.
The new trains will be more accessible for people with a disability, with the addition of Train Boarding Bridges and Electronic Levelling Controls to address the gaps between platforms and trains, as well as phone charging capabilities.
Construction is expected to start by the end of the year on both the manufacturing facility in Torbanlea and a new rail stabling and maintenance facility at Ormeau on the Gold Coast.
Train Manufacturing is key to Queensland’s Big Build, a record $89 billion dollar investment into infrastructure by the Palaszczuk Government over the next 4 years.
Queensland Big Build will support 58,000 jobs over the next 24 months as part of the state’s biggest infrastructure spend on record.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“Our government made a promise to bring train building back to Maryborough, and we have delivered.
“I saw how much this contract means to the men and women of Maryborough when I visited Downer earlier this year – now we can get on with the job of building.
“Not only does this $7.1 billion program secure generations of job security, skills and training in Maryborough, but it sets our state up for a strong transport future.
“Because Queensland trains should be made in Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport & Main Roads Mark Bailey:
“The Palaszczuk Government is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland, supporting good jobs and billions in investment for the regions.
“This isn’t just about delivering 65 new trains, this is creating opportunities for Torbanlea, Maryborough, and the wider region.
“With the contract signed and sealed, Downer Group will begin recruiting for the construction and manufacturing jobs that this project will bring.
“Downer Group has committed to making jobs and training for Queenslanders its priority”.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:
“I fought hard for the people of Maryborough to see this commitment delivered on.
“This isn’t just about building trains – it’s an investment in the decades of skill we have here in Maryborough and in the generations of train builders to come.
“Early works are already underway in Torbanlea and in coming weeks they’ll start setting up site compounds, which will get the ball rolling for major construction to begin later this year.
“The first trains will complete manufacturing and commence testing in late 2026, with all 65 trains expected to be in service by 2032.
“These 65 new trains will support South East Queensland’s population boom, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher:
“If we can make it here in Queensland, we should.
“We know our Queensland manufacturers are some of the best in the world, so it’s fantastic to be part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government that’s bringing train manufacturing back to local workshops.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government backs manufacturing because making things here means more local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to the member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari:
“This is a great moment for the entire Fraser Coast community.
“This is going to bring jobs, it is going to bring skills and it is going to bring career long opportunity for young people who want to stay on in the region.
“Only a Palaszczuk Labor Government can deliver this for Queensland”.
Quotes attributable to State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union Rohan Webb:
“Campbell Newman sent rail manufacturing overseas. For years, the AMWU has proudly campaigned alongside our Downer EDI members and the Maryborough community to bring rail manufacturing back home. Today, our dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.
“The billions of dollars in investment by the Palaszczuk Government will bring rail manufacturing back home, securing the future of hundreds of workers in Maryborough.
“AMWU members at Downer EDI in Maryborough are skilled, respected, and acknowledged as some of the best train manufacturers in Australia. And now they’re set to lead the way as we rebuild manufacturing capacity in Australia.”
Fast Facts:
- Downer will build 65 new six-car trains and associated infrastructure, in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.
- 800 jobs supported in the region
- Delivered as part of the $7.1 billion Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program.
- The trains will begin rolling out onto the South East Queensland rail network from 2026.
- The Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program will create up to 3000 jobs in construction and manufacturing across Queensland.
- The $4.6 billion contract delivers on construction, manufacturing and maintenance for the next 15 years.
The Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program includes:
- construction of 65 six-car passenger trains
- construction of a purpose-built manufacturing facility in the Maryborough region for major manufacturing/assembly works for the new fleet
- construction of a new rail facility (for train maintenance and stabling) in Ormeau
- the ongoing operation and maintenance of the fleet and rail facility.
