First look at new $239m Torbanlea train factory as second development announced
A manufacturing hub is set to create a new generation of skilled workers on Australian soil as work continues on the $239m train factory in Torbanlea.
Fraser Coast
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The first look at Torbanlea’s $239m train factory has been revealed after an announcement was made regarding the purchase of another site which will produce sub-components for train car bodies.
The Hyundai Rotem Corporation will establish a $30m stand-alone local presence on the Fraser Coast with the purchase of an industrial site and plans to establish a factory to produce sub-components for train car bodies.
It means components typically made overseas can be made in Maryborough, and creates 20 jobs.
Hyundai Rotem CEO Yong-Bae Lee said the Maryborough factory would be operational in 2025 and would provide the roll forming to be used for rail car bodies at the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility.
“Queensland does not currently have roll forming capability, and such components have historically been made overseas,” he said.
“We believe this investment strengthens Queensland’s rail manufacturing capabilities while creating new jobs in the region.”
The Hyundai Rotem facility is in addition to the QTMP site being built at Torbanlea and Downer’s facility at Maryborough.
On Tuesday Transport Minister Mark Bailey said that it was anticipated the train factory would officially open in about two years and would then start producing the 65 trains that will service Brisbane during the Olympic Games.
A smoking ceremony was held by Butchulla community members to celebrate as major works began at the Ritchie Road site.
The former pineapple farm is being transformed into Australia’s newest state-of-the-art train manufacturing facility, with the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program expected to support 800 construction and manufacturing jobs.
Downer was awarded the Design Build Maintain Contract for the QTMP earlier this year and has partnered with the Hyundai Rotem Corporation for the manufacturing of the 65 new trains.
Once the first QTMP train has been built in 2026, it will begin testing before entering passenger services in 2027.
All 65 trains are expected to be in service in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games while helping to run additional services that will be delivered by the Cross River Rail and Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail projects.
A co-design process is ongoing with the disability sector to inform the design of the new QTMP trains.
This will shape the design of the 65 new passenger trains to ensure they are compliant, functional, and accessible for all passengers.
Early works to upgrade local intersections within Torbanlea started in August 2022 ahead of the start of construction on the train manufacturing facility.
“We welcome Hyundai Rotem’s additional investment in this steel roll forming facility,” Mr Bailey said.
“Our commitment to bring train manufacturing to Queensland is attracting additional investment.
“This is an exciting time for QTMP, which will create hundreds of long-term Queensland jobs and reinvigorate train manufacturing in Queensland.
“This project will train a new generation of highly-skilled Queensland workers in train manufacturing, which will have long-term benefits to our economy, transport infrastructure and manufacturing industry.
“It is truly historic to be here today at the start of what will be a rail manufacturing revolution for Maryborough, which will remain the birthplace of Queensland trains for years to come.”
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said it was a landmark day for Maryborough and the broader Fraser Coast region.
He said Mr Bailey and himself had fought to ensure the new train factory would be built on the Fraser Coast.
“It’s truly special to be here today at the start of major construction on a project I fought hard to help deliver,” he said.
“In the coming months, we will start to see a brand-new manufacturing facility rise from the ground up.
“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.”
Downer Head of Rail and Transit Systems Steve Kakavas said the construction works now underway will involve installing site offices, undertaking geotechnical testing, connecting services including water and electricity connections, clearing vegetation and undertaking bulk earthworks.
In October, the Chronicle revealed a mining-style workforce camp will house almost 200 out-of-town tradies brought in to build the multibillion-dollar Torbanlea train factory if freshly lodged development plans were approved.
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