The Queensland government is looking to work with the local industry to create a pipeline of Queensland jobs in the bus manufacturing sector and boost the manufacturing of buses that serve Queenslanders.
In a press statement issued today, Acting Premier Steven Miles said the Palaszczuk government plans to conduct market sounding to assess industry capacity.
“There’s no reason we can’t build more buses right here in Queensland, for Queenslanders, by Queenslanders,” the Acting Premier said.
Mark Bailey, minister for transport and main roads, said the announcement would help accelerate Queensland’s zero-emission bus targets.
“We have committed to seeing every new Translink bus be zero emission in South East Queensland from 2025, and in the regions between 2025 and 2030,” Bailey said.
Making these new electric buses in Queensland can ensure that the state meets its target, all while supporting good jobs for Queenslanders, the minister added.
The transition to zero emissions including funding, procurement, construction, asset ownership, and renewable energy supply will require a different model to the current diesel bus operating contracts.
Industry engagement is commencing and will be vitally important to help government understand how to develop a pipeline of manufacturing in Queensland and for the preferred commercial model to be tested.
“We are approaching bus manufacturers across the state right now to engage with my department so we can understand what’s possible, and how we can best support a commitment of this magnitude,” Minister Bailey said.
“Even more opportunities lie in zero-emission, battery and systems manufacturing, so we will look down this avenue to confirm local content possibilities to identify what is required for new companies to establish in Queensland,” Bailey added.
Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said the state’s more than $20 billion manufacturing industry is well positioned to grab opportunities like this, equipped with world-leading capabilities and the Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap.
“We’re arming businesses with the skills and knowledge to spearhead the leading-edge design, innovation, technologies and processes to make buses in Queensland.
For more information on Queensland bus services, visit www.translink.com.au
