The Queensland Government’s Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is set to transform rail transport across South East Queensland, addressing the growing demand over the next decade.
The program, valued at $9.5 billion, includes the construction of 65 new six-car passenger trains and infrastructure developments in the Fraser Coast and Gold Coast regions.
Central to the program is a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Torbanlea, Fraser Coast, where the new fleet will be assembled.
Complementing this is the construction of a rail facility at Ormeau on the Gold Coast, designed for train maintenance and stabling.
These initiatives play a key role in accommodating Queensland’s population growth, economic development, and major infrastructure projects, such as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In addition to enhancing transport capacity and efficiency, the program is expected to create employment opportunities and provide a framework for worker training and development.
The government’s commitment to social and economic infrastructure is underscored by the ongoing collaboration with communities and industry experts.
Feedback on the concept designs for the Torbanlea and Ormeau facilities, gathered between December 2023 and March 2024, is under review.
Updated designs reflecting this input will be shared later in 2024.
The project timeline highlights consistent progress since funding was announced in October 2020, with notable milestones including the appointment of Downer as the lead contractor in February 2023 and the commencement of site construction in late 2023.
Completion of the manufacturing facility is anticipated by late 2025, with train production and testing commencing shortly thereafter. The Ormeau rail facility is slated for completion by late 2026.
Stakeholder engagement since 2021 has informed the design of the new trains, ensuring they are functional for all passengers.
Recommendations from the New Generation Rollingstock Commission of Inquiry have been incorporated, with an accessibility advisor appointed to oversee compliance.
