The Palaszczuk Government will deliver the largest investment in train infrastructure in Queensland's history to create jobs and rebuild the state's economy.
Creating manufacturing jobs for Queenslanders is an important part of the state's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced $7.1 billion to boost the state's train manufacturing industry and build and operate 65 trains, transforming Queensland into Australia's rail manufacturing powerhouse.
Delivering the Palaszczuk Government's Rail Expansion Program will create up to 3000 jobs in construction and manufacturing across Queensland in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.
"We're investing in manufacturing to create long-term, secure jobs in regional Queensland," the Premier said.
"At the election, we committed $600 million to build 20 new trains in Maryborough.
"It's now clear we'll need a full complement of trains to cater for growth in years to come.
"That's why we're committing to build all 65 trains, right here in Maryborough.
"I want Queensland to benefit from this $7.1 billion investment. That means jobs for workers throughout our state.
"Our strong health response has made Queensland the place to be. More people than ever before want to live and work in our state.
"My government is making great progress on Cross River Rail - building Brisbane's first underground rail system. Manufacturing the trains is the next step."
Treasurer Cameron Dick said investing in Queensland made trains would create long-term quality jobs for many years to come.
"This investment in publicly-owned manufacturing facilities will support thousands of jobs well into the future," Mr Dick said.
"Importantly, this commitment will include minimum local content requirements, along with the best industry standards, meaning we're supporting Queenslander workers."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the rail investment would lock in secure jobs and training opportunities for a generation of Queensland workers.
"We are delivering a pipeline of work over the next decade that will support up to 800 construction and manufacturing jobs here in Maryborough.
"First, we will construct a purpose-built, publicly-owned train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, north of Maryborough.
"Not only are we delivering trains, this $7.1 billion investment includes new rail infrastructure in the South-East and ongoing maintenance of Queensland's newest fleet."
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said land at Torbanlea had already been selected for the new train building facility.
"The process to secure a property at Torbanlea, which is within 25km of the Maryborough CBD, is well underway," he said.
"The Palaszczuk Government's commitment to build 65 trains in Maryborough will lock in jobs and economic growth for our region.
"Regional manufacturing is a key part of the Palaszczuk Government's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and this is a big boost for not just Maryborough but the whole state.
"In 2017, the Palaszczuk Government saved 283 jobs in Maryborough by upgrading some of our existing rail fleet in the city and since then, we've worked hard to deliver more jobs for the region.
"Maryborough will soon be delivering the best new trains in Australia - they'll be modern and accessible – and the Heritage City should be proud of that."
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the historic train building commitment would benefit the whole Wide Bay region.
"Building this new, publicly-owned factory in Torbanlea will not only help Maryborough, it will also support jobs and businesses in Hervey Bay," Mr Tantari said.
"This investment, on the doorstep of Hervey Bay, will have a massive flow-on effect for years to come."
Under the Rail Expansion Program, three train manufacturers are competing for the existing contract to build 20 trains in Maryborough and will have an opportunity to bid for the increased order for 65 trains.
Those companies are train manufacturers Alstom, CAF and Downer Rail.
A preferred supplier to build the 65 trains is expected to be named in the second half of 2022, with construction of the Torbanlea train building facility to follow.
The investment will also mean more jobs in Rockhampton which will be part of the supply chain to build trains in Maryborough.
Cross River Rail is on track for first services to begin operating in 2025.
What building new trains in Maryborough means:
- 65 six-car passenger trains to be built in Maryborough for use on the South-East Queensland rail network
- The trains will be built in a $239 million purpose-built manufacturing facility to constructed at Torbanlea (north of Maryborough)
