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.

Construction at both sites has started.

Feedback on the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility and Ormeau rail facility concept designs was undertaken between 4 December 2023 and 2 March 2024.

This feedback is now being reviewed and considered as part of the design development process.

Information about key feedback themes will be provided in mid-2024, with information about the final design to be provided by late 2024. 

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: Downer awarded the contract to deliver the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
  • Late 2023: Site construction works at the manufacturing and rail facilities started.
  • Late 2025: Construction of the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility completed and train manufacturing begins.
  • Late 2026: The first train is completed and begins testing.
  • Late 2026: Ormeau rail facility construction completed.

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.

An accessibility advisor has been appointed to the program.