The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program’s (QTMP) facility near Maryborough will be built with steel supplied by a Beenleigh company through a $40 million contract that will create new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.
Beenleigh Steel Fabrications has been awarded the government contract to supply and install 2400 tonnes of structural steel for the buildings that will make up the QTMP train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, near Maryborough.
The industry leader was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process due to demonstrated capability and capacity, its state-of -the-art fabrication workshop at Berrinba and commitment to local and indigenous employment.
Buildings being constructed by Beenleigh Steel Fabrications at Torbanlea include the train manufacturing facility, administrative building, a gatehouse and pump house.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Trade and Investment and State Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick spoke about the announcement.
“Queensland has a great manufacturing history which is why it was important to bring train manufacturing back to the Sunshine State,” he said.
“The $40 million contract with Beenleigh Steel will not only deliver the structural steel for the train manufacturing facilities, it will also create six good jobs, 10 apprenticeships and four traineeships.
“The new jobs at Beenleigh Steel are part of 360 needed to build the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program facility and more than 380 required to manufacture the trains.
“These new jobs and important traineeships are exactly what families need as Queenslanders face national cost of living pressures,” Dick said.
The contract is expected to create six new jobs, and the hiring of 10 apprentices and four trainees. The new jobs will bolster Beenleigh Steel Fabrication’s 80 strong Queensland workforce.
Downer, Executive General Manager, Passenger North & Contractors Representative, QTMP, Kamal Habibullah explained why Downer selected this part of Queensland.
“This is a significant step forward for QTMP. Downer is proud to be working on this program for Queenslanders, continuing our proud history on the Fraser Coast and providing significant employment opportunities to local people,” he said.
“We’re working to bring train manufacturing back to Queensland and our competitive tender process ensures the best outcomes are secured.”
Construction of the train manufacturing facility buildings is scheduled to start mid-2024 and is planned for completion in early 2025.
Beenleigh Steel Fabrications has a 44-year involvement in Queensland’s construction landscape with multiple large projects including Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba and Cross River Rail.
The company’s new Berrinba workshop was built with support from the Queensland Government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
About QTMP
QTMP 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.
Downer was awarded the Design Build Maintain Contract for QTMP in June 2023. They have sub-contracted John Holland to build the train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea.
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.
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