Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

As part of the program a new rail facility will also be constructed at Ormeau, in the Gold Coast region. 

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will support South East Queensland's population and economic growth, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Construction of the facilities, trains, and maintenance of the fleet will support Queensland jobs now and into the future. The program brings with it a pipeline of training and development opportunities to bolster Queensland as the train building capital of Australia.

Key features

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program includes:

• construction of 65 six-car passenger trains
• construction of a purpose-built manufacturing facility in the Maryborough region for major manufacturing/assembly works for the new fleet
• construction of a new rail facility (for train maintenance and stabling) in Ormeau
• the ongoing operation and maintenance of the fleet and rail facility.

Current status

Early works and site investigation activities are underway in preparation for major construction to begin on the facilities from 2023.

We have announced that Downer is the preferred applicant to deliver the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. The contract will be awarded by mid-2023. 

Information about the designs of the manufacturing facility, rail facility and trains will be available in 2023 following contract award. The designs will be progressed through a detailed design process, which will involve community and stakeholder consultation.

Strict probity requirements will continue throughout the procurement process, which continues until execution of contracts. Compliance with probity requirements is critical to ensuring a fair procurement process. 

Project timeline

October 2020: Funding announced for a new fleet of trains.
June 2021: Alstom, CAF and Downer announced as shortlisted applicants to deliver Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
October 2021: Torbanlea announced as the location of the train manufacturing facility.
April 2022: Early works commenced for the manufacturing facility.
Mid-2022: Shortlisted applicants submitted final proposals.
October 2022: Ormeau announced as the location for the rail facility.
February 2023: Announcement of Downer as the preferred applicant to deliver Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
Mid-2023: Contract award to the preferred applicant Downer.
2023: Construction of the manufacturing and rail facilities expected to commence.
2032: All trains expected to be in service.

Future dates are indicative only. 

Accessibility

Since 2021, we've undertaken comprehensive engagement with the disability sector to co-design the new trains, to ensure that the fleet is compliant, accessible and functional for all passengers.

We have taken onboard all recommendations from the New Generation Rollingstock Commission of Inquiry, and are working closely with Commissioner Michael Forde and the Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council.

An accessibility advisor has been appointed to the program.