Downer to build trains in billion-dollar game changer for Maryborough
The State Government has announced Downer as the “preferred supplier” of a $7.1bn train manufacturing project.
Fraser Coast
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A multi-billion-dollar project is one step closer to becoming a reality after the State Government announced Downer as the “preferred supplier” of its train manufacturing project.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, in Maryborough on Monday for a regional meeting of cabinet, made the announcement at the city’s Downer factory.
The $7.1 billion project includes the manufacturing of 65 six-car trains at a state-owned facility in Torbanlea which will need to be built, with the program supporting 800 jobs in the region.
Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders said the project was a “game-changer” for Maryborough.
“The future of manufacturing has now been secured for Maryborough for many, many years,” he said.
Maryborough was on its way to being restored as one of the state’s manufacturing capitals, Mr Saunders said.
Mr Saunders said Maryborough had been known as “Detriot city” and was on its knees when he was elected in 2015.
He said the efforts of the State Government meant Maryborough was now putting itself on the map, with a munitions factory and battery factory also giving the city manufacturing cred.
Ms Palaszczuk said at the 2020 elections she had committed to building 20 new trains in Maryborough.
“Our planning has indicated there is a need for another 45 trains,” she said.
“That means 800 good, secure jobs here in Maryborough to deliver 65 trains.
“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.
“By 2032, we’ll have a Queensland-built fleet of trains that we can proudly call our own.”
The trains will be built at a state owned facility, set to be constructed 25 kilometres north of Maryborough at Torbanlea.
Construction of this facility will begin later this year.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the program would also deliver ongoing new rail maintenance jobs at facilities in South-East Queensland.
“The proposal put forward by Downer offered strong value for money, leading-edge accessibility and a modern design, while delivering maximum benefit to the region and to our great state” Mr Bailey said.
“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.”
Assistant Minster for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders welcomed the announcement.
The first of dozens of “Cross River Rail trains” set to be manufactured in Maryborough will begin rolling off the assembly line in 2026 the government has confirmed — a year after the major rail project is due to open.
But the government, which once said the new trains were “needed to support” an increase in services for Cross River Rail, is adamant the locomotives won’t prevent the new line from starting or ramping up.
It includes the manufacturing of 65 six-car trains at a state-owned facility in Torbanlea which will need to be built, with the program supporting 800 jobs in the region.
Mr Bailey confirmed the trains would start rolling off the assembly line and into the rail network from 2026.
Ms Palaszczuk said Downer was selected as the preferred supplier after an “independent” process which involved probity throughout, with the company being highlighted as the best option by the department by the time the proposal came to cabinet’s budget review committee.
Downer, under the contract, would deliver 65 six-car passenger trains, two training simulators, the purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, a maintenance facility at Ormeau, and maintain the new fleet, simulator and the Ormeau infrastructure for between 15 and 35 years.
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