- The Palaszczuk Government is backing Queensland bus manufacturers, with a plan to build 200 buses in the Sunshine State
- The contract will ensure the 200 buses are produced in Queensland to support local jobs and manufacturing.
- The plan is backed by a $134 million initial investment.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today announced a plan to build 200 buses in Queensland, backing local jobs, skills and training.
An initial $134 million investment will drive the plan, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads currently undertaking an independent procurement process.
It is expected the plan will restore Queensland's bus manufacturing sector, which has been subject to significant pressures due to low order volumes.
Through the $134 million investment, the Palaszczuk Government is expected to support hundreds of local jobs.
The buses will be fully accessible to ensure all Queenslanders have access to public transport, including people in a wheelchair, and people travelling with luggage or prams.
Once built, the buses will be owned by the state and operated by Transport and Main Roads.
The buses will also support transporting rail passengers during periods of disruption or planned track maintenance.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"This is an investment in Queenslanders and the future of our skilled manufacturing sector.
"We know that when we build here in Queensland, we are supporting local workers, local suppliers and the next generation of skilled bus builders.
"We make no apologies for backing Queensland workers – whether it's trains or buses, they are built better when they're built by Queenslanders.
"I look forward to the procurement process coming to an end and the appointment of a bus builder soon after."
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"When Brisbane City Council made the decision to build its new Metro bus fleet overseas, Queensland manufacturing workers missed out.
"The Palaszczuk Labor Government will always support local manufacturers and local workers to ensure automotive manufacturing remains a strong part of Queensland's diverse economy."
Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Mark Bailey:
"We make no apologies for stipulating these buses must be built here in Queensland to support local jobs and help to ensure the ongoing viability of bus manufacturing in our state.
"The procurement will specify that the first buses delivered will meet Euro-Six emissions standards, which run with 83 per cent fewer emissions than current diesel buses on our network.
"At least a quarter of the buses delivered as part of this procurement will be Zero Emissions Buses which will support the Palaszczuk Government's commitment that all new buses towards a zero emissions fleet.
"Getting commuters to and from home is a big job and we'll need a big fleet to support that work, as well as help keep rail customers moving during construction works.
"The procurement process is being finalised and we will continue to keep industry in the loop."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher:
"This is another example of how the Palaszczuk Government is bolstering our manufacturing sector– delivering good jobs and the services we need to support a growing Queensland.
"200 buses will be built in Queensland by Queenslanders, which is absolutely fantastic.
"By putting jobs and opportunities in Queenslanders' hands, the Palaszczuk Government is investing in the local workforce for generations to come.
"This Government supports Queensland manufacturers every day of the week."
FURTHER INFORMATION:
- The Palaszczuk Government will commit $134 million to build 200 buses as part of a new Queensland built bus fleet.
