Downer’s $4.6 billion train manufacturing contract

Engineering group Downer has signed a $4.6 billion contract to design, manufacture and deliver new suburban trains, returning train manufacturing to the Maryborough region, under the landmark Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

The contract will deliver 65 passenger trains, for use on the South East Queensland rail network, and support 800 jobs in construction and manufacturing.

The first train set to be delivered in 2026, with all 65 on track for 2032.

Early works are underway at the state-owned Torbanlea facility where trains will be manufactured.

The $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is now in motion with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing the signing of the contract.

Palaszczuk said: “Not only does this $7.1 billion program secure generations of job security, skills and training in Maryborough, but it sets our state up for a strong transport future.

“Because Queensland trains should be made in Queensland.”

Negotiations have been underway since Downer was announced as the preferred supplier for the programme earlier this year.

The new trains will be more accessible for people with a disability, with the addition of Train Boarding Bridges and Electronic Levelling Controls to address the gaps between platforms and trains, as well as phone charging capabilities.

Construction is expected to start by the end of the year on both the manufacturing facility in Torbanlea and a new rail stabling and maintenance facility at Ormeau on the Gold Coast.

The Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and Train Manufacturing Bruce Saunders said the contract was an investment in decades of skills in Maryborough and in the generations of train builders to come.

“Early works are already underway in Torbanlea and in coming weeks they’ll start setting up site compounds, which will get the ball rolling for major construction to begin later this year.

“These 65 new trains will support South East Queensland’s population boom, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Picture: Queensland government