Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher and Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders joined Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) to announce the Queensland Government will build a new $7.1 million skills and training facility in Maryborough that will put the region’s workforce at the forefront of the state’s manufacturing industry.
The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will give local workers and jobseekers the skills they need to fill training gaps within identified sectors with a strong focus on upskilling more workers to support Queensland’s significant investment in train manufacturing.
The $9.5 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will see 65 six-car passenger trains manufactured at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region, supporting 1,300 jobs throughout the life of the project.
“We’re not just manufacturing trains here in Maryborough, we’re creating a lasting legacy for our region’s industry that will deliver good local jobs for generations to come,” Saunders said.
“Queensland’s Big Build is booming, so this new facility will put Maryborough – and the locals who’ll benefit – at the front of the queue for the good manufacturing jobs we’re creating.”
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) CEO Caroline Wilkie spoke about the announcement.
“The ARA welcomes the announcement of the new $7.1 million Manufacturing Centre of Excellence for Maryborough as a huge step forward in boosting the future skills required to support a thriving local rail manufacturing industry and growing a more globally competitive industry,” she said.
“It is critical we support the development of a modern rail skills workforce which is able to cope with the rapid advances in technology that enables an industry that is fit for future.
“Rail brings enormous benefits to the Australian economy, contributing $30 billion each year. A strong local manufacturing industry means more trains will be built here, delivering more skilled jobs in the regions and less resources being sent overseas.”
“It will also provide local businesses with more export opportunities, building a more sustainable, safe and productive rail industry.”
The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will provide world class facilities that could skill workers in advanced machining, CNC, robotics and augmented welding, along with integrating extended reality (virtual, augmented, and mixed).
Manufacturing Skills Queensland CEO, Rebecca Andrews said manufacturing is one of Queensland’s most significant and innovative industry sectors collectively contributing billions of dollars to the Queensland economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, builds on the significant manufacturing investment in the region, and will require a vibrant training sector to deliver a range of vocational courses and a large pool of skilled available labour,” she said.
Downer have come on board as a foundation member of the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, partnering with Manufacturing Skills Queensland to deliver training in advanced manufacturing.
This will provide sustainable, long-term and local training opportunities that will support train manufacturing and industries in the manufacturing supply chain across the Fraser Coast region, developing job opportunities and providing a lasting legacy for the region.
About QTMP
QTMP will build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region. As part of the program, a new rail facility will also be constructed at Ormeau, in the Gold Coast region.
QTMP will support South East Queensland’s population and economic growth, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The first QTMP train is anticipated to be manufactured and begin testing by late 2026, with all trains expected to be in service by 2032.
The new, modern train fleet will provide passengers with more efficient, reliable, and accessible travel across South East Queensland.
About Manufacturing Skills Queensland
MSQ is an independent body established to build a sustainable and skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry.
It is designed to connect and support manufacturing businesses and the wider industry with the skills, opportunities and information to build a thriving future in manufacturing.
MSQ will ensure Queenslanders have the right skills to work in the manufacturing sector, will assist businesses to enhance Queensland’s manufacturing capability and ensure that local manufacturers are engaged with government procurement processes.
MSQ’s focus and vision will help the industry continue to create good, secure jobs and better services and cement Queensland’s reputation as a world-leading manufacturing powerhouse.
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