John Holland appointed to build new QLD train manufacturing facility

As part of the $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP), a new state-of-the-art train manufacturing facility is going to be built at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region. 

Downer EDI has recently been officially awarded the contract to undertake the delivery of the multi-billion-dollar program of works and, in turn, is partnering with John Holland to design, build and commission the new train manufacturing facility. 

“This is all about future-proofing Queensland’s manufacturing industry and creating jobs for the future – that's the power of projects like these. 

“We have a proud partnership with the Queensland Government to deliver essential infrastructure across the state and look forward to working with Downer as this project moves into an exciting new phase,” John Holland General Manager – Building QLD Colin Matthews said. 

The construction of the Torbanlea facility alone is already expected to create approximately 300 direct jobs. 

Early works on this project is already underway, which includes local road and intersection upgrades. Major construction on the Torbanlea facility is expected to begin later this year along with the new stabling and maintenance facility in Ormeau. 

“This new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will become a central hub for train manufacturing in Queensland, and more specifically, the Fraser Coast region. 

“We’ll create hundreds of jobs during construction of the facility and drive economic growth, and that’s only the start for this state-shaping program. 

“Our expertise in building the facilities our communities need extends from hospitals and stadiums through to the manufacturing hubs of the future. That’s how we transform lives,” John Holland Executive General Manager – Building David Lehmann said. 

Torbanlea train manufacturing facility location (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The overall Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will include: 

• 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 
• Ongoing operation and maintenance of the train fleet and rail facility 

The $7.1 billion Program will support economic growth in South East Queensland as well as form a critical part of the Cross River Rail and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is vital to the State Government’s commitment to returning rail manufacturing to Maryborough. This program of works is expected to support up to 800 jobs in the region and around 3,000 across Queensland. 

Source: John Holland; Inside Construction; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2)