The Queensland Government has announced a $134 million investment that will drive the local manufacturing of buses, creating more jobs and upskilling the state’s existing workforce.
The project is aimed at restoring the bus manufacturing sector in Queensland, which has seen significant pressures due to low order volumes.
“When Brisbane City Council made the decision to build its new Metro bus fleet overseas, Queensland manufacturing workers missed out,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said.
“This is an investment in Queenslanders and the future of our skilled manufacturing sector,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“We know that when we build here in Queensland, we are supporting local workers, local suppliers and the next generation of skilled bus builders,” she added.
The buses will be fully accessible to ensure all Queenslanders, including people in a wheelchair and people travelling with luggage or prams, have access to public transport. They will also serve rail passengers during periods of disruptions or planned track maintenance.
The buses will be owned by the state and operated by Transport and Main Roads.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is currently undertaking an independent procurement process for the project.
According to Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey, the procurement will require the first buses to meet Euro-Six emissions standards, which run with 83 per cent fewer emissions than current diesel buses on Queensland’s network.
At least a quarter of the buses delivered as part of the project will be zero-emissions buses.
“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 minister added. “The procurement process is being finalised and we will continue to keep industry in the loop.”
