The South Coast is set to become a new manufacturing hub for the next generation of public transport with the creation of a brand-new electric bus manufacturing facility in Nowra.
Australian-owned bus manufacturer Foton Mobility Distribution is set to build a 6,000-square-metre facility in South Nowra in late 2025, subject to council approval.
This announcement follows the Minns Labor Government awarding a contract to Foton to deliver 126 battery electric buses, which will be built in Nowra and service bus routes across Greater Sydney.
“This state of the art facility in Nowra will create ongoing skilled jobs in regional NSW while also delivering emissions-free world-class public transport for the people of our state,” said Premier Chris Minns.
The facility will not only produce electric buses but will also manufacture battery electric trucks and hydrogen fuel cell engines, creating around 100 ongoing, quality manufacturing jobs for local workers.
Foton’s bus contract was one of the first bus orders made through the NSW Government’s Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) program, which is converting 11 existing bus depots in Greater Sydney to battery electric technology and procuring approximately 1,200 new electric buses by 2028.
Transport for NSW is delivering the ZEB program in stages, working closely with industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, to increase capability and capacity.
“Once our partners at Foton get this plant up and running, there will be an extra 100 quality manufacturing jobs right here. That’s great news for Nowra and a big boost for NSW manufacturing,” said Minister for Transport Jo Haylen.
The NSW Government’s commitment to domestic manufacturing is clear, as this facility represents a significant shift away from the 12 years of offshoring under the former Liberal National Government, which led to missed job opportunities and delays on major transport contracts.
“The offshoring of public transport by the former government was a complete disaster, which is why we’re building these buses here in NSW – creating local jobs and public transport that works,” Premier Minns added.
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos emphasized the importance of supporting local jobs and businesses.
“The previous government sent contracts like this offshore, costing NSW thousands of jobs and billions of dollars. We are choosing to support local jobs and local businesses,” she said.
“By leveraging the power of government contracts like this, we can rebuild local industries, support local workers, and grow the NSW economy, particularly in regional communities.”
Member for South Coast Liza Butler highlighted the importance of regional employment and skills training.
“The proposed new bus factory here in Nowra will provide fantastic employment opportunities for up to 100 people once fully operational and enable the re-skilling and upskilling of many workers who wish to be a part of the transition to zero emissions transport.”
Member of the Legislative Council Sarah Kaine added, “We’re building Australia’s future right here in the South Coast and delivering good quality, local jobs in the process. This is a Labor Government that is investing back into its regional economies and ensuring equal opportunity for local manufacturing of our world-class transport system.”
