- A new Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) project information centre in Maryborough opening soon
- Centre will preview train and new manufacturing facility designs and showcase the Fraser Coast's rail history
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) has reached another milestone with a new project information centre opening on Adelaide Street, Maryborough in May this year.
Visitors to the centre will be able to learn more about the Queensland Government program which will see 65 six-car passenger trains built at a new purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea on the Fraser Coast and a new rail facility at Ormeau, on the Gold Coast.
The centre will be staffed by QTMP team members and will feature:
- rare archival photos and information about the extensive history of rail on the Fraser Coast
- details about the construction currently underway to build the new QTMP facilities
- a design preview of the new QTMP trains when they come into service on the South East Queensland network
- a dedicated children's area for younger visitors
- a specially designed digital train game to entertain and educate the train designers of the future
- the stories behind the connection with rail of the Butchulla People, the traditional custodians of the land on which the train manufacturing facility will be built.
Construction of the QTMP project information centre is well underway and the community will be invited to celebrate its official opening, which is scheduled for May 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:
"The Miles Government is proud to deliver the QTMP; a program that is bringing train manufacturing back to Maryborough and to Queensland.
"The project information centre will be an opportunity to showcase both the proud train manufacturing history of this great region, as well as the exciting future that lies ahead as the next generation of trains are built for Queenslanders in Queensland.
"We know our Queensland manufacturers are some of the best in the world, so it's fantastic to be part of the Miles Labor Government that's bringing train manufacturing back to local workshops.
"This is in stark contrast to the LNP, who sent train manufacturing and job opportunities overseas and cut industry support programs, which resulted in thousands of job losses."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing, Regional Development and Jobs and Maryborough MP, Bruce Saunders:
"The Miles Government is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland, supporting good jobs and billions in investment for the regions.
"This information centre will showcase the Fraser Coast's unique rail history which is something residents here can be proud of.
"The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is creating local jobs right here, right now and will continue to benefit our community.
"The LNP does not back local manufacturing and they don't back Maryborough.
"Under Campbell Newman and David Crisafulli, Maryborough's manufacturing heartland was gutted, and hundreds of jobs were lost.
"Only a Labor Government will invest in jobs and growth in Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Downer, Executive General Manager, Passenger North & Contractors Representative, QTMP, Kamal Habibullah:
"Downer is proud to be delivering the QTMP for Queenslanders, continuing our proud history on the Fraser Coast and providing significant employment opportunities to local people.
"We look forward to sharing the story of our 150-year plus rail history with the local community and wider public, and also information about the new trains being built."
Further Information:
QTMP will build 65 six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region. As part of the program, a new rail facility will also be constructed at Ormeau, on the Gold Coast.
Downer was awarded the contract for QTMP in June 2023. They have sub-contracted John Holland to build the train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea.
QTMP will support South East Queensland's population and economic growth, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The first QTMP train is anticipated to be manufactured and begin testing by late 2026, with all trains expected to be in service by 2032.
The new, modern train fleet will provide passengers with more efficient, reliable, and accessible travel across South East Queensland.
