Maryborough event held to provide information about train manufacturing program

An event has been held in Maryborough to provide information on a new train factory set to bring hundreds of jobs to the Fraser Coast.

An industry briefing has been held in Maryborough this week to provide information about the $7.1 billion train manufacturing program, a large portion of which will be delivered in the Fraser Coast region.

Assistant Minister Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said it was an honour to host the event in what will soon be the train building capital of Queensland.

“Our town has a long history of train building, and it’s exciting to see that history come alive again with through our $7.1 billion investment,” he said.

“To make sure we are supporting as many Queensland workers, trainees, suppliers and manufacturers in the process, we held an industry briefing so businesses could understand how to get involved.

“We saw about 400 industry representatives register for the in-person and online event, which signals that they are just as exciting about this program as we are.”

The event was held at the Brolga Theatre.

Earlier this year it was announced a $239 million dollar factory to produce the Cross River Rail trains would be built at Torbanlea.

Mr Saunders said the three short-listed organisations vying to take on the contract to build the trains – CAF, Alstrom and Downer – presented at the briefing.

“The tender process to build the fleet of 65 new trains here in Maryborough is well underway and we expect to announce a preferred proponent next year,” he said.

“We have already secured land at Torbanlea, which will be home to the train building facility, and I look forward to seeing planning and construction of that facility get underway.

“This program signals jobs, infrastructure and a much-needed boost to the local economy and thanks to the Palaszczuk Government, there will be over 800 job opportunities in the region in construction, manufacturing and maintenance.

“Let me make this clear – it‘s going to be required that the successful proponent provides concrete commitments to involve local industry in the delivery of the project where possible.

“This requirement will help long-term industry development and supply chain facilitation to support the Maryborough region and the future of its manufacturing industry.

“Any businesses that weren‘t able to attend the briefing can watch it online, then register their details with the ICN Gateway at the Registration of Interest website to get more info on supply opportunities as the project progresses.”

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program:

• Construction of 65 six-car passenger trains;

• A $239 million purpose-built manufacturing facility in the Maryborough region for major manufacturing/assembly works for the new fleet;

• Construction of new maintenance facilities in South East Queensland to support the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program fleet;

• Additional stabling and train wash infrastructure in South East Queensland;

• Maintenance and presentation services for the new trains and facilities; and

• Operational expenditure to sustain jobs and maintenance of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.