- The Crisafulli Government has got the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program back on track, with the commencement of the manufacturing of passenger trains at the Torbanlea purpose-built facility, near Maryborough.
- The program will deliver 65 new trains ready in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Mechanical trades and fabricators are hard at work with more jobs to come as manufacturing ramps up.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program after Labor's billions in blowouts, delays and cover-ups.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland with manufacturing now underway on a new fleet of 65 six-car passenger trains at the Torbanlea purpose-built train manufacturing facility near Maryborough.
The milestone marks a significant step forward for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP), with the state-of-the-art production line launched and trains now moving from concept to construction.
The QTMP is back on track under the Crisafulli Government, after Labor derailed the program with $2.4 billion in hidden blowouts and chronic mismanagement.
Recruitment for the facility has been underway for the past eight months, with dozens of local frontline and professional staff already hard at work.
Mechanical trades, fabricators, electricians and trades assistants will work with robotic welders in one of the most modern train manufacturing facilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Torbanlea facility is more than twice the size of the playing field at Suncorp Stadium, covering more than 22,000m2 and will include steel fabrication, bogie construction, car body building, electrical manufacturing, equipment fit out and testing of the completed rollingstock.
Inside, train carriages will be built from the ground up across eight dedicated manufacturing stations, where thousands of components will be installed to deliver a brand-new fleet of modern and accessible trains for Queenslanders.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the milestone proved the Crisafulli Government's commitment to get the mismanaged program back on track.
"My recent trade mission to South Korea was focused on attracting investment, strengthening supply chains and unlocking new opportunities for Queensland manufacturing. The outcomes of those discussions are supporting train manufacturing at Torbanlea to deliver skilled jobs, economic growth and long-term confidence for the Fraser Coast region," Minister Last said.
"Labor talked about manufacturing trains and after a decade of decline under their chronic mismanagement, with cost blowouts and timeline delays; well, we are here today getting on with the job. We just get it done.
"Once production is in full swing, the Torbanlea facility will support nearly 200 blue collar jobs and 100 white collar jobs alongside positions for apprentices and cadets.
"Once complete Queenslanders will enjoy 65 brand new six-car passenger trains in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is what delivering for Queensland looks like.
"We are seeing the ripple effect of manufacturing in action – one job here helps sustain many more right across the state."
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the milestone was the start of a new chapter for manufacturing in Maryborough.
"This facility is going to serve Queenslanders now and into the future by manufacturing these state-of-the-art trains and I am proud to say we are doing it right here in Maryborough," Mr Barounis said.
"The launch of the production-line at the Torbanlea facility means hundreds of high-quality jobs for local tradies, apprentices and engineers.
"The Crisafulli Government is steaming ahead with the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program and delivering new skills and great careers for the people of Maryborough."
The remaining infrastructure will be complete by the end of the year, enabling trains to begin rolling out of the facility from next year.
