RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Not sure that is the case.  I think it is a bit muddled, the first tranch is 20, then the further option of 45.

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/1430-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1430
Asked on 16 November 2021

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise why a manufacturing facility for the Rollingstock Expansion Program will
now be built and owned by government, given that in the original EOI released in December 2020
the government indicated it wanted the private sector to provide the facility?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

The Member for Chatsworth appears, however, to have misunderstood the parameters
established by the original Expression of Interest, which always provided for the State to own—
and the private sector to design and build—a manufacturing facility, that location now having
been settled as Lot 35, Bruce Highway, Torbanlea.

In October 2021, the Palaszczuk Government announced a $7.1 billion plan to build 65 new trains
and related manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure in Queensland. As the State's single
largest train infrastructure investment, the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) will
help rebuild and support the State's economy, and bolster Queensland as a leader in rail
manufacturing with long-term jobs and skills development.

The Palaszczuk Government's investment in the QTMP previously called the Rollingstock
Expansion Program is an extension of the government's $600 million election commitment to
build 20 new trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Maryborough, which is designed to
benefit regional communities and businesses, and create local jobs. In line with the government's
commitment to local content requirements, a manufacturing facility will be established at
Torbanlea, which will reinvigorate Maryborough region's historical link to train manufacturing.

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

> https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/Queensland-Train-Manufacturing-Program-QTMP

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/queensland-train-manufacturing-program-qtmp#current

QuoteCurrent status

Shortlisted applicants, Alstom, CAF and Downer Rail are currently developing detailed proposals, including the design of the facilities and trains, with proposals due to be submitted in mid-2022.

It is expected an announcement will be made at the end of 2022 of the preferred applicant who will deliver the Program.

Probity requirements for this process have commenced. Compliance with probity requirements is critical to ensuring a fair procurement process. You can request a copy of the probity governance and guidelines of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program by emailing qtmp@tmr.qld.gov.au.

I have requested a copy of the probity governance and guidelines of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/301-2022.pdf

Queensland Parliament

Question on Notice
No. 301
Asked on 30 March 2022

MR MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:
Will the Minister outline the selection criteria for evaluation of bidders for the Queensland Train
Manufacturing Program, including the weighting of each criteria item?

ANSWER:
I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

No. It would be inappropriate for me to provide an answer to the Member for Chatsworth's
question as the Request for Proposal process is governed by strict probity and process protocols.

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95249

State buys Rockhampton railyards to create rail supply chain manufacturing jobs in Central Qld
30th May 2022

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government has completed the purchase of the Rockhampton railyards from Aurizon in a major step towards creating more rail supply chain manufacturing jobs in Central Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said planning had begun to determine the best use of the railyards for the Rockhampton community, industry and Queensland Rail.

"The Rockhampton railyards are an icon," the Premier said.

"Rail supply chain manufacturing is part of the history of this city. We want to bring it back.

"That's why we've bought this site – to create more rail supply chain manufacturing jobs here in Rockhampton to support train manufacturing in Maryborough.

"The railyards have been relatively unused for years. It's time to get the area back in action, and back to generating blue collar jobs for Queenslanders."

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the final uses of the site would be determined after consultation with industry.

"We're already looking at some exciting possibilities for the site, including as a centre of research into hydrogen-powered rail locos and as a major rail supply chain hub," he said.

"The research into hydrogen-powered trains is particularly exciting. Hydrogen is a clean, green power source and it makes sense to look at it as a potential fuel for our future train fleets.

"TMR is working with partners in the tertiary sector to potentially locate a hydrogen research initiative at the railyards.

"The precinct will also be a major rail supply chain hub for Australia, with an Expression of Interest to launch in the coming weeks, inviting businesses with a unique opportunity to establish themselves at the railyards.

"In addition to the commercial use, later this year we will talk to the local community about how they'd like the site to be activated.

"Any revitalisation work done in the precinct will be done with full respect to the history of this area – including the Heritage Listed sections."

Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke was a strong advocate for the government's purchase of the railyards.

"We're working hard to create good, honest rail jobs here in Rockhampton," he said.

"Rail supply chain manufacturing is part of our history. It's in our DNA in Rocky.

"By investing in this facility, we're not just creating jobs, we're creating opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain.

"The railyards will be a supply chain source for the government's Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

"This program is a $7.1 billion investment in Queensland rail manufacturing and Queensland jobs.

"It's going to create hundreds of jobs all over Queensland – but particularly here in Rocky."

Assistant Train Manufacturing Minister Bruce Saunders praised the announcement.

"This Labor Government is bringing manufacturing back to Queensland and building trains in Maryborough," Mr Saunders said.

"The Rocky Railyards have an important role in that delivery and I couldn't be happier to join the Premier here today.

"Only Labor delivers and we deliver big – jobs, economic boost and better skills for generations to come."

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said more jobs meant more opportunity in Central Queensland.

"Already we are seeing more than $1.475 billion delivered in the Fitzroy district alone and this commitment builds on that," Ms Lauga said.

"The Palaszczuk Government is giving CQ its fair share and I can't wait to see what else is in store."

Information on the Rockhampton Railyard Expression of Interest will be released to the public in the coming weeks.

To register to receive updates, please call 1800 271 176 or email QTMP@tmr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Red team buys back what they originally sold to Aurizon.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/govt-outlines-rail-freight-sale-20091208-kh7j.html

"The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, which has waged a fierce battle against the government's asset sell-off since it was first announced in June, has been quick to oppose the move, saying a public share offering would leave regional services vulnerable.

"Today is a sad day for the people of Queensland – particularly in regional areas," AMWU secretary Andrew Dettmer said." From 2009.

The Unions sure got that right.

https://twitter.com/7NewsCQ/status/1531186291454656512

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95722

Rockhampton railyards rejuvenation powering ahead
13th July 2022

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The rejuvenation of the historic Rockhampton railyards will take another step forward later this month when an Expression of Interest (EOI) to shortlist potential tenants is launched.

The EOI will commence on Wednesday, July 20 at an industry briefing and is underpinned by a vision to create a hub for rail supply chain manufacturing right in the heart of Rockhampton.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the EOI would provide a unique opportunity for established manufacturing businesses – or those growing their capability – to be a foundation member of the precinct.

"Our government's Rail Revolution is delivering jobs all over Queensland and now it's Rockhampton's turn," the Premier said.

"The rejuvenation of the Rockhampton railyards will generate significant local opportunities, driving business growth and jobs.

"Critically, we want the railyards to become part of the supply chain for the Queensland Government's $7.1 billion Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program."

Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said the government wants to hear from businesses that can help us achieve the vision of a rail supply chain manufacturing hub.

"The rejuvenation will provide the local community and industry with an opportunity to work together to help restore the site to its full potential," he said.

"The railyards include a variety of unique spaces such as the sheds, warehouses, office space and of course the iconic heritage-listed Roundhouse.

"The Roundhouse is a unique structure that can provide a range of opportunities, including hospitality and tourism offerings.

"We also want to hear from or restaurant or micro brewing entrepreneurs who can help to activate the site and show off what Rocky has to offer."

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said Expression of Interest applicants will be required to respond to criteria which include site activation, connection with the industrial precinct, community benefit and commercial.

"Understanding how industry would like to use the site is the first step. From there we plan to undertake consultation in 2023 to seek feedback on how parts of the precinct can be rejuvenated for broader public use," he said.

The Expression of Interest industry briefing will be held from 9am to 10.30am at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on July 20 with the EOI to close on August 5 2022.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said more jobs meant more opportunity in Central Queensland.

"Already we are seeing more than $1.525 billion delivered in the Fitzroy district alone and this commitment builds on that," Ms Lauga said.

"The Palaszczuk Government is giving CQ its fair share and I can't wait to see what else is in store.

"If you're interested in being a part of the rocky railyards rejuvenation, jump online to register for the industry briefing."

Head online to the Rockhampton Railyards rejuvenation web page to find out more or register to attend the industry briefing.

ENDS

QuoteAnnastacia Palaszczuk MP

This site at Torbanlea will be home to a brand new train manufacturing workshop where 65 new trains will be built as part of our government's $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. It's part of the largest investment in train manufacturing in Queensland's history and will include a partnership with local schools to train students to be the next generation of local engineering and manufacturing workforce. We're continuing to invest in good, secure jobs for Queenslanders.

What happens to this site, and the one at Bellevue in WA, when the orders are complete?

WA Railcar Program

QuoteAfter 27 years, railcar manufacturing has returned to Western Australia at the purpose-built Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility, operated by Alstom Australia.
https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/wa-railcar-program

QuoteIn a first for public transport in Perth, railcars can now undertake their extensive testing regime right here in WA. Previous B-series railcars were manufactured and tested in Queensland and deployed directly onto our network.

In June 2021 the Manufacturing and Assembly facility was completed to allow the first railcar to be built. With the additional completion of the High Voltage Testing Facility, all testing and commissioning can now occur in WA instead of using interstate and overseas suppliers.

"Buy Local" is a Zero-Sum game. If WA buys from itself, that is a Queensland train that is not exported. And vice-versa.

We've known about gains from trade since the 1800s, but that hasn't stopped myopia getting in the way.

QuoteDavid Ricardo in 1817 first clearly stated and proved the principle of comparative advantage,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gains_from_trade

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/96034

Work starts to transform Qld into rail manufacturing powerhouse
25th August 2022

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Premier has turned the sod on early works for a new train manufacturing workshop near Maryborough today as part of the largest investment in train manufacturing in Queensland's history.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the site at Torbanlea will be home to a brand new train manufacturing workshop where 65 new trains will be built as part of her government's $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

"This record investment is transforming our state into a rail manufacturing powerhouse," the Premier said.

"We're bringing train manufacturing back where it belongs, with 65 new trains to be built right here in Torbanlea in time for the 2032 Games and beyond.

"This commitment will see better train services delivered across the South East, while supporting 3000 good Queensland jobs over the next decade.

"800 of those jobs will be right here in Maryborough from construction through to manufacturing over the life of the program.

"Today, I'm proud to turn the sod and set in train the start of work here in Torbanlea where these new trains will be built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders."

Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Maryborough's train-building tradition made it an easy decision when looking for a location to build Queensland's new trains.

"This is an historic day with the start of a new chapter the region's manufacturing history," Mr Saunders said.

"Right here in Torbanlea is where 65 new passenger trains will be built before they carry millions of customers each year across the South East Queensland train network, and support the transportation task for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Instead of sending jobs overseas like the LNP did when in power, we're backing this region to do what it does best and that is build trains.

"Construction of the new trains would add to a long history in train manufacturing with the first Queensland Rail contract awarded to build trains in Maryborough in 1896.

"It's an honour to mark the start of works here, with early works and site preparations to be carried over the coming months."

In a further boost for the region, the Queensland-made Train Manufacturing Program will also partner with Fraser Coast high schools to help train the students who will form the backbone of the next generation of the local engineering and manufacturing workforce.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the preferred proponent would be announced later this year and would be tasked with training and upskilling the local engineering and manufacturing workforce, which would include work with local Fraser Coast high schools.

"The Palaszczuk Government has developed a clear understanding of the skills required to support this manufacturing program over the next ten to fifteen years," Mr Bailey said.

"We'll be working with the successful provider and the local education system so that a skilled home-grown workforce can benefit from the jobs available before we need to be moving workforce into the region."

Member for Hervey Bay, Adrian Tantari, said he was delighted the Palaszczuk Government was placing such a strong emphasis on benefits for the Fraser Coast community.

"We want the next generation to play a key role in the construction of the 65 new six-car trains," Mr Tantari said.

"This partnership with the Department of Education will provide young people in the region with a pathway into a skilled job opportunity in our own back yard.

"Only a government that is committed to good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle can deliver this sort of community partnership and we are delivering for the region.

"We're not just backing better infrastructure, we're investing in skills, training and pathways into the industry."

Education Minister Grace Grace said the training pathways would be co-designed with local schools and employers.

"We want realistic training developed that ensures local students are ready for a career in their local community," Ms Grace said.

"This initiative is further evidence of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to world-class education, good jobs and better services for Queenslanders.

"The co-designed curriculum will provide a range of learning opportunities that will prepare students for project work, including site visits, qualifications, and hands-on experience.

"This initiative will develop well-prepared, confident and highly employable school-leavers who have knowledge, certifications and skills that are highly sought after by employers."

Maryborough State High School Principal Simon Done said he was proud to partner with industry on the project.

"This will provide crucial links for our students to future local industry," Mr Done said.

"Our school has a proven track record of working with industry in health, hospitals and education. We are proud to add engineering and other manufacturing industries for opportunities for our students.

"The creation of a vital link for students to be able to visualise their future career path, while still studying at school, will be a game changer for our students.

"They will be able to be what they can see."

For more information on the Queensland-made Train Manufacturing Program, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au

Fast Facts

. $7.1 billion investment
. 65 new trains
. 1 purpose built, state owned, facility in Torbanlea
. 3000 full time equivalent jobs across Queensland
. 800 jobs in Maryborough from construction through to manufacturing and maintenance
. Preferred supplier will be identified later this year.
. Workshop construction will commence after the contract is awarded.

ENDS

https://twitter.com/7NewsWideBay/status/1562712885113098240

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2022/2022_08_30_DAILY.pdf

Queensland Parliament Questions Without Notice

Train Manufacturing

Mr SAUNDERS: My question is of the Premier and Minister for the Olympics. Will the Premier
update the House on how the Palaszczuk government's $7.1 billion investment in train manufacturing
is helping communities like the great city of Maryborough?

Ms PALASZCZUK: Another great decision of our cabinet meeting was to approve the
multibillion-dollar investment of trains being manufactured in the great city of Maryborough. I remember
going to Maryborough when I was in opposition and shops were closed and people were leaving the
town. The current opposition back then under the Newman government had slashed services and that
city had little hope for the future. I will tell the House what that great member over there has done. He
has stood up for that city and he has turned that city into a thriving town. It has brought Maryborough
back to life where we will now be manufacturing trains in Maryborough. We recognise that
manufacturing is central to this government.

I had the great honour along with the [Minister for Transport and the member for Maryborough
to go to Torbanlea where we turned the first sod on the brand new train manufacturing facility that our
Labor government is building for the city of Maryborough, and we were joined by students from
Maryborough State High School. Why were those students there? Because that is a great high school
and the high school is developing the skills and the training so that those students can choose to work
in their town. That is about planning for the future. That is about saying to the young people of our state,
'We value you and we give you hope.' No longer now do students have to think about packing their
bags and moving to another city and not returning home, and this member for Maryborough has stood
up and held himself accountable and proudly proclaimed that trains will be delivered by Maryborough.
Not only that, this will create 800 jobs in a town that those opposite forgot and neglected.

A government member: Disability compliant.

Ms PALASZCZUK: That is right; I take the interjection. Of course, the new fleet will be
manufactured for Cross River Rail in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is where workers will build the new 65 six-car New Generation Rollingstock trains. That is what our
government is planning for. We are planning for the future. We held our skills summit in preparation for
the national skills summit and we have done the hard work. I look forward to talking about this workforce
strategy at the skills summit later this week.

Back to costs, WA is building its new C-series trains (246 cars total) for 1.6 billion. Presumably that $1.6B includes less other stuff and over a different timeframe than Qld's $7.1B but... that's still a lot of difference.

It's a whole of life contract. So refurbs, mtce costs etc are factored into it. Just like NGR.

I think the government has referenced the actual rolling stock cost of $600 million

Quote from: HappyTrainGuy on August 31, 2022, 18:05:28 PMIt's a whole of life contract. So refurbs, mtce costs etc are factored into it. Just like NGR.

OK, cool. That makes more sense.

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/940-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 940
Asked on 1 September 2022

MR J MCDONALD ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program—
Will the Minister advise where in the 2022–23 budget the full $7.1b spend of the program is
outlined?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Lockyer for the question.

I refer to the Member to page 10 of Budget Paper 3, Capital Statement 2022–23

Queensland Parliament

Question on Notice
No. 954
Asked on 1 September 2022

MR A POWELL ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the new train manufacturing workshop near Maryborough—
Will the Minister advise (a) the date the tender for the construction of the workshop was awarded,
(b) the name of the successful tenderer, (c) the anticipated construction start date and (d) the
planned construction completion date?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Glass House for the question.

Following on from lessons learned from the New Generation Rollingstock procurement, the
Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) will establish a purpose-built rail
manufacturing workshop at Torbanlea to build trains that are compliant with disability standards
and made in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.

The tender for construction of the workshop is associated with the over-arching QTMP
procurement which is currently underway. The successful tenderer will be known once the
procurement is finalised. This is expected to be later in this calendar year. Construction is
anticipated to commence in early 2023. The planned construction completion date will be
dependent on the timeframes articulated by the preferred supplier.

To facilitate the delivery of a workshop that will see new trains being delivered, the Department
of Transport and Main Roads has commenced initial site investigations and some early work
activities earlier this year. This has included geotechnical and ecological investigations, and other
enabling works such as the construction of an access from the Bruce Highway to the site. Further
early works, including local road upgrades, started in mid-September 2022.

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/1139-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1139
Asked on 26 October 2022

MR M HART ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (investment ID 1804863)—
Will the Minister advise why last year's QTRIP showed the spend as of 30 June 2021 was $35m
but this year's QTRIP shows that the spend as of 30 June 2022 decreased to $30.779m?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Burleigh for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government has made a decision to build 65 new trains for the South East
Queensland network at Torbanlea, north of Maryborough. This will bring rail manufacturing back
to the Maryborough region.

The estimated expenditure of $35 million for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (to
30 June 2021), as reported in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program
(QTRIP) 2021–22 to 2024–25 included provision for a number of expenses that were less than
forecast.

Between the preparation of the QTRIP 2021–22 to 2024–25 and QTRIP 2022–23 to 2025–26,
the Palaszczuk Government made the decision to rescope the Queensland Train Manufacturing
Program from 20 to 65 trains (noting the procurement always specified 20 with an option for a
further 45). Forecast expenditure published in the current QTRIP reflects the expanded scope of
the program.

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering its seventh record transport and roads infrastructure
program in a row, as detailed in the QTRIP 2022–23 to 2025–26, which outlines $29.7 billion in
investment over the next four years and is estimated to support an average of 25,200 direct jobs
over the life of the program.

 

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I think an announcement is not that far way now ...   

Facebook ...

I don't think our new trains will have 3 doors each side each car, PSDs CRR will kill that I would imagine.

Perth is light years ahead we know ...

Our new trains I figure will be fairly close to the NGR form and specifications, just upgraded.

Downer: Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

https://www.downergroup.com/qrep

"Downer is proud to be a shortlisted applicant for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP)
QTMP (formerly the Queensland Rollingstock Expansion Program - QREP) will support South East Queensland's population and economic growth, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Alstom: Become a supplier for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP)

https://www.alstom.com/become-supplier-queensland-train-manufacturing-program-qtmp

Alstom and its Construction Partner, Laing O'Rourke, have been shortlisted to tender for the impressive Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP). Following the Queensland Government's announcement in November 2021 of a $7.1Bn rail infrastructure investment, Alstom is excited to be given the opportunity to continue to demonstrate their world class capabilities.

CAF Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles

https://www.caf.net/en/compania/index.php

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1607106683066789889

 

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1622332961197797376

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1622358355137404928

What's interesting about this fixation on autarky https://www.britannica.com/topic/autarky

is that if everyone does it, everyone is worse off.

- Perth now only does "made in WA", which means the orders that used to come to QLD no longer come.
- Melbourne does "made in VIC" which means no orders for everyone else
- QLD now only does "made in QLD" which means no buying from the other two

They cannot all be claiming to manufacture at the lowest cost, or that their own manufacture is the higher quality one and what the rival state is making is the lower quality one either.


The other thing is that Imports and Exports are the two sides of the same coin.

QLD wants to export everywhere, but one jurisdiction's exports are another jurisdiction's imports.

You cannot have a situation where everyone is an exporter and nobody is an importer. For every buyer there must be a seller, otherwise the transaction would not take place.

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/97099

Regional Cabinet heads to Maryborough

5th February 2022

Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Queensland's first Regional Cabinet of 2023 will be held in Maryborough tomorrow – showcasing the investment, innovation, and opportunities abundant across the Wide Bay region.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was excited to bring Cabinet to one of Queensland's most dynamic and historic regional centres.

"It's fitting that the city which gave us Mary Poppins scribe P.L. Travers is brimming with a magic all it's own – and like Mary, there's more to Maryborough than meets the eye," the Premier said.

"Behind the heritage-listed buildings, it's a powerhouse of industry – supporting everything from timber, to train manufacturing and renewable energy – and a thriving cultural and creative hub, boasting a colourful mural trail, museums and galleries.   

"Ahead of the first Parliamentary sitting of the new year, I'm delighted to host Regional Cabinet in wonderful Maryborough."

The Premier said her Government was committed to delivering good jobs, better services, and supporting a great lifestyle, to help Maryborough and the Wide Bay region grow and prosper. 

"We're bringing train manufacturing back to Maryborough, with our $7 billion Train Manufacturing Program that will see 65 trains built in Maryborough – supporting up to 800 long term construction and manufacturing jobs, and continuing the long tradition of rail manufacturing in the city," the Premier said.

"We're improving network performance out of Energy Queensland's Maryborough depot, and making important upgrades to Maryborough Hospital. 

"A few weeks ago, we officially opened the $103 million Saltwater Creek upgrade near Aldershot – a crucial piece of flood mitigation work along the Bruce Highway. 

"We're building new school halls in Hervey Bay.

"And in Bundaberg, later this year, we'll start early works on the $1.2 billion Paradise Dam rebuild – supporting more than 250 jobs during construction, and providing long-term water security for local residents and growers."

The meeting will be the first Community Cabinet held in the Wide Bay region since September 2021, and the first Cabinet meeting in Maryborough since September 2017. 

Member for Maryborough and Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said he looked forward to welcoming Ministers back to the region. 

"It's no secret that I'm enormously proud to represent the Maryborough electorate, and advocate for this hard-working regional community," Mr Saunders.

"This is a unique opportunity for the entire Cabinet to focus just on Maryborough and the Wide Bay region to create jobs, strengthen our economy, preserve our local environment, and provide better support for our region."

ENDS

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1622386144355946496

https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1622427397361475587

$7.1 billion 

65 x six cars

Downer

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1622428990651895808