The Premier has turned the sod on early works for a new train manufacturing workshop near Maryborough today as part of the largest investment in train manufacturing in Queensland's history.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the site at Torbanlea will be home to a brand new train manufacturing workshop where 65 new trains will be built as part of her government's $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
"This record investment is transforming our state into a rail manufacturing powerhouse," the Premier said.
"We're bringing train manufacturing back where it belongs, with 65 new trains to be built right here in Torbanlea in time for the 2032 Games and beyond.
"This commitment will see better train services delivered across the South East, while supporting 3000 good Queensland jobs over the next decade.
"800 of those jobs will be right here in Maryborough from construction through to manufacturing over the life of the program.
"Today, I'm proud to turn the sod and set in train the start of work here in Torbanlea where these new trains will be built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders."
Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Maryborough's train-building tradition made it an easy decision when looking for a location to build Queensland's new trains.
"This is an historic day with the start of a new chapter the region's manufacturing history," Mr Saunders said.
"Right here in Torbanlea is where 65 new passenger trains will be built before they carry millions of customers each year across the South East Queensland train network, and support the transportation task for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Instead of sending jobs overseas like the LNP did when in power, we're backing this region to do what it does best and that is build trains.
"Construction of the new trains would add to a long history in train manufacturing with the first Queensland Rail contract awarded to build trains in Maryborough in 1896.
"It's an honour to mark the start of works here, with early works and site preparations to be carried over the coming months."
In a further boost for the region, the Queensland-made Train Manufacturing Program will also partner with Fraser Coast high schools to help train the students who will form the backbone of the next generation of the local engineering and manufacturing workforce.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the preferred proponent would be announced later this year and would be tasked with training and upskilling the local engineering and manufacturing workforce, which would include work with local Fraser Coast high schools.
"The Palaszczuk Government has developed a clear understanding of the skills required to support this manufacturing program over the next ten to fifteen years," Mr Bailey said.
"We'll be working with the successful provider and the local education system so that a skilled home-grown workforce can benefit from the jobs available before we need to be moving workforce into the region."
Member for Hervey Bay, Adrian Tantari, said he was delighted the Palaszczuk Government was placing such a strong emphasis on benefits for the Fraser Coast community.
"We want the next generation to play a key role in the construction of the 65 new six-car trains," Mr Tantari said.
"This partnership with the Department of Education will provide young people in the region with a pathway into a skilled job opportunity in our own back yard.
"Only a government that is committed to good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle can deliver this sort of community partnership and we are delivering for the region.
"We're not just backing better infrastructure, we're investing in skills, training and pathways into the industry."
Education Minister Grace Grace said the training pathways would be co-designed with local schools and employers.
"We want realistic training developed that ensures local students are ready for a career in their local community," Ms Grace said.
"This initiative is further evidence of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to world-class education, good jobs and better services for Queenslanders.
"The co-designed curriculum will provide a range of learning opportunities that will prepare students for project work, including site visits, qualifications, and hands-on experience.
"This initiative will develop well-prepared, confident and highly employable school-leavers who have knowledge, certifications and skills that are highly sought after by employers."
Maryborough State High School Principal Simon Done said he was proud to partner with industry on the project.
"This will provide crucial links for our students to future local industry," Mr Done said.
"Our school has a proven track record of working with industry in health, hospitals and education. We are proud to add engineering and other manufacturing industries for opportunities for our students.
"The creation of a vital link for students to be able to visualise their future career path, while still studying at school, will be a game changer for our students.
"They will be able to be what they can see."
