Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

The Queensland Government's Queensland Train Manufacturing Program was established to meet the increasing demand for rail transport in South East Queensland over the next 10 years.

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, in the Maryborough region.

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 also brings with it a pipeline of training and development opportunities.

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.

Benefits

  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth

Funding

Investment ID: 1804863

Total investment
$9.5 billion
Queensland Government
$9.5 billion

Current status

Downer has been awarded the Design, Build and Maintain Contract to deliver the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

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

We will provide information in the coming months about the designs for the manufacturing facility, rail facility and trains. The detailed design process will include community and stakeholder consultation.

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.
June 2023: Design, Build and Maintain Contract is awarded to Downer.
Late 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

We’ve been engaging with people with diverse accessibility requirements since 2021 to co-design the new trains. This will ensure the fleet is compliant, accessible and functional for all passengers.

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

An accessibility advisor has been appointed to the program.