The Queensland Government has selected Downer as the preferred supplier for a $7 billion project to build 65 new passenger trains.
After a “robust” procurement process, Downer was the winning tenderer after being shortlisted with two other suppliers, Alstom and CAF.
The project, which falls under the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, will provide 800 jobs in Maryborough, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Monday, February 6.
The first of the trains are due to hit the tracks from 2026 in South East Queensland.
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program supports Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Transport minister Mark Bailey said Downer’s proposal offered “strong value for money, leading-edge accessibility and a modern design, whilst delivering maximum benefit to the region and to our great state.”
The trains are to be built at a state-owned facility, set to be constructed 25 kilometres north of Maryborough at Torbanlea, with construction to begin later in 2023.
The Department of Education will use the project to support young people in the region with a pathway into skilled job opportunities. Mr Bailey said the program would also create new rail maintenance jobs.
Downer CEO Grant Fenn, said the contract would cement Downer’s position as the largest passenger rollingstock maintainer in Australia for the next 30 years.
In 2018, Downer was appointed by the Victorian Government to build 65 High Capacity Metro Trains under a $2.3 billion investment. The project included train maintenance and light service facilities.
