Downer Awarded Train Contract

JAY FIELDING

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk became emotional when telling workers at Downer in Maryborough that the company would build 65 trains for her government. Ms Palaszczuk was in Maryborough for a community cabinet meeting, where ministers signed off on the decision to name Downer as the preferred supplier of the trains part of the $7.1 billion Train Manufacturing Program.

“It will guarantee jobs for generations to come,” the Premier said to rapturous applause from Downer’s 520-strong workforce.

Ms Palaszczuk, her voice cracking, apologised for

becoming emotional but said the issue went to the heart of why she had got into politics.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, a long-term advocate for building trains locally, said it was a monumental day for the city.

“This is the first time in my whole life I’m actually lost for words,” Mr Saunders said.

“This is billions of dollars for our great city,” he said, also becoming emotional moments after his leader had.”

Mr Saunders thanked the Premier, Downer, its workers and its union representatives, who he had worked alongside after they came to him before his election in 2015 concerned the Maryborough site would be closed.

“In 2015, this city was on its knees. We didn’t know if this facility would stay here.”

The trains will be built at a facility at Torbanlea, where construction is due to start next year and be completed next year.

The first trains will begin carrying passengers in 2026 with the last to be delivered in time

for the 2032 Olympics.

Ms Palaszczuk said at the 2020 election she had committed to building 20 trains in Maryborough.

“Our planning has indicated there is a need for another 45 trains,” she said.

“That means 800 good, secure jobs here in Maryborough to deliver 65 trains.

“This will be a game changer that secures the future of manufacturing for Maryborough.

“Downer has a strong track record of delivering here in Australia, and around the world, so Queensland’s future fleet is in good hands.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the decision highlighted the manufacturing capability of regional Queensland.

“The pandemic reminded us just how important it is for our state to be able to stand on its own two feet when global supply chains are affected by external events,” Mr Dick said.

“Building these trains here will utilise the existing skills base that was first established in Maryborough when Walkers opened in 1867,” he said.

“But it will also sustain a new generation of workers with the highly specialised skills needed for an operation like this.”

Downer was one of three shortlisted applicants, selected after a robust procurement.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the program would also deliver ongoing new rail maintenance jobs.

“The proposal put forward by Downer offered strong value for money, leadingedge accessibility and a modern design, whilst

delivering maximum benefit to the region and to our great state” Mr Bailey said.

“What we want is a superior level of service for commuters and tourists alike as we respond to population growth, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Government will now work closely with Downer to undertake detailed design on the trains to ensure they are customerfocussed and fully accessible for passengers.

“We’ve also listened to Queensland Rail customers and the trains will have bike racks and USB mobile phone charging stations to make travelling a breeze for commuters.”

Mr Saunders, who is also the Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads, said only a strong Labor government delivered for Maryborough.

“Thanks to the $7.1 billion commitment made by the Premier, we’ll see 800 construction and manufacturing jobs supported here in Maryborough over 10 years,” he said.

“That’s 800 jobs, supporting families, keeping skills in the region and supporting the overall economy.

“This is big news for Queensland, for Maryborough and for commuters far