RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Both Auckland and Sydney have had trains designed and made in cooperation with this company.

Another thing I noticed is that they are moving away from the exterior maroon colour on trains. The new colours are likely to be teal (aqua blue} and navy blue in line with the revised translink branding.

Quote from: verbatim9 on March 12, 2023, 17:31:20 PMBoth Auckland and Sydney have had trains designed and made in cooperation with this company.

Another thing I noticed is that they are moving away from the exterior maroon colour on trains. The new colours are likely to be teal (aqua blue} and navy blue in line with the revised translink branding.

Where did you get this info? The Image supplied by Downer still has Maroon on the outside

Quote from: RowBro on March 12, 2023, 20:29:32 PM

Quote from: verbatim9 on March 12, 2023, 17:31:20 PMBoth Auckland and Sydney have had trains designed and made in cooperation with this company.

Another thing I noticed is that they are moving away from the exterior maroon colour on trains. The new colours are likely to be teal (aqua blue} and navy blue in line with the revised translink branding.

Where did you get this info? The Image supplied by Downer still has Maroon on the outside

That's just indicative for the tender and prior to the change. 

The new renders/livery are being shown in TMR"s latest project videos.

The new bus design is also quite similar.

Here is a link on google to some of the Hyundai Rotem train sets.

They make quite a variety, but that stylised image that Downer published definitely has some H. Rotem looks ..



Google >> https://railbotforum.org/yourls/4r

I'd be very happy for the new fleet to be branded consistently with the new bus livery - likewise G:Link and any new buses.

BCC will argue about this until the end of time so don't expect it to appear on any of their buses or ferries.

There aren't enough SMBI ferries to be concerned about I expect.

Quote from: SurfRail on March 13, 2023, 16:45:43 PMI'd be very happy for the new fleet to be branded consistently with the new bus livery - likewise G:Link and any new buses.

BCC will argue about this until the end of time so don't expect it to appear on any of their buses or ferries.

There aren't enough SMBI ferries to be concerned about I expect.

Yea. I think brand consistency would really help with the understanding of the network for regular commuters. At the moment it can be difficult knowing whether something does or does not accept go-card.

We need much stronger branding like NSW! Our buses look like a menagerie of suppliers and BCC just completely separate!! SEQ Trains, SEQ Buses, SEQ Ferries and SEQ Light Rail! 

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

Torbanlea environmental report open for public comment

To view the report and make a submission, visit the QTMP webpage.

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

Have your say: Burgowan Road and Gympie Street intersection

> https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/TorbanleaTrainManufacturing

Brisbanetimes --> Scandals put Downer EDI at risk of break-up

Uh .. oh ... 

The Age --> Major investor still sees 'upside' for Downer despite fraud allegations $

QuoteDowner EDI's largest investor, fund manager Allan Gray, says more work needs to be done to ensure the alleged corruption revealed during an inquiry last week is not a systemic issue, but it believes the company is on the right path to redeem itself.

"I think the working assumption should be that this is more rife than it is isolated and progress on that basis. I think that's the only way real meaningful changes will take place on the control framework," said Allan Gray boss Simon Mawhinney. ...

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98096

Maryborough's Downer locked in as Queensland's rail manufacturing powerhouse

30th June 2023

JOINT STATEMENT

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

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads
Mr Bruce Saunders

. Downer signs $4.6 billion contract to deliver Palaszczuk Government's landmark Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

. The contract will deliver 65 passenger trains, for use on the South East Queensland rail network, and support 800 jobs in construction and manufacturing.

. The first train set to be delivered in 2026, with all 65 on track for 2032.
Early works are underway at the state-owned Torbanlea facility where trains will be manufactured.

The $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is now in motion with a $4.6 billion contract now officially signed for Downer Group to design and manufacture these trains.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made a commitment to Queenslanders that rail manufacturing jobs would be returned to Maryborough, with this investment set to support 800 construction and manufacturing jobs.

Downer is now tasked with the manufacture 65 passenger trains at a state-owned purpose-built facility at Torbanlea.

Negotiations have been underway since Downer was announced as the preferred supplier for the program earlier this year.

The new trains will be more accessible for people with a disability, with the addition of Train Boarding Bridges and Electronic Levelling Controls to address the gaps between platforms and trains, as well as phone charging capabilities.

Construction is expected to start by the end of the year on both the manufacturing facility in Torbanlea and a new rail stabling and maintenance facility at Ormeau on the Gold Coast.

Train Manufacturing is key to Queensland's Big Build, a record $89 billion dollar investment into infrastructure by the Palaszczuk Government over the next 4 years.

Queensland Big Build will support 58,000 jobs over the next 24 months as part of the state's biggest infrastructure spend on record. 

Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

"Our government made a promise to bring train building back to Maryborough, and we have delivered.

"I saw how much this contract means to the men and women of Maryborough when I visited Downer earlier this year – now we can get on with the job of building.

"Not only does this $7.1 billion program secure generations of job security, skills and training in Maryborough, but it sets our state up for a strong transport future.

"Because Queensland trains should be made in Queensland."

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport & Main Roads Mark Bailey:

"The Palaszczuk Government is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland, supporting good jobs and billions in investment for the regions.

"This isn't just about delivering 65 new trains, this is creating opportunities for Torbanlea, Maryborough, and the wider region.

"With the contract signed and sealed, Downer Group will begin recruiting for the construction and manufacturing jobs that this project will bring.

"Downer Group has committed to making jobs and training for Queenslanders its priority".

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and Train Manufacturing and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:

"I fought hard for the people of Maryborough to see this commitment delivered on.

"This isn't just about building trains – it's an investment in the decades of skill we have here in Maryborough and in the generations of train builders to come.

"Early works are already underway in Torbanlea and in coming weeks they'll start setting up site compounds, which will get the ball rolling for major construction to begin later this year.

"The first trains will complete manufacturing and commence testing in late 2026, with all 65 trains expected to be in service by 2032.

"These 65 new trains will support South East Queensland's population boom, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher:

"If we can make it here in Queensland, we should.

"We know our Queensland manufacturers are some of the best in the world, so it's fantastic to be part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government that's bringing train manufacturing back to local workshops.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government backs manufacturing because making things here means more local jobs."

Quotes attributable to the member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari:

"This is a great moment for the entire Fraser Coast community.

"This is going to bring jobs, it is going to bring skills and it is going to bring career long opportunity for young people who want to stay on in the region.

"Only a Palaszczuk Labor Government can deliver this for Queensland".

Quotes attributable to State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union Rohan Webb:

"Campbell Newman sent rail manufacturing overseas. For years, the AMWU has proudly campaigned alongside our Downer EDI members and the Maryborough community to bring rail manufacturing back home. Today, our dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.

"The billions of dollars in investment by the Palaszczuk Government will bring rail manufacturing back home, securing the future of hundreds of workers in Maryborough.

"AMWU members at Downer EDI in Maryborough are skilled, respected, and acknowledged as some of the best train manufacturers in Australia. And now they're set to lead the way as we rebuild manufacturing capacity in Australia."

Fast Facts: 

. Downer will build 65 new six-car trains and associated infrastructure, in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.
. 800 jobs supported in the region
. Delivered as part of the $7.1 billion Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program.
. The trains will begin rolling out onto the South East Queensland rail network from 2026.
. The Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program will create up to 3000 jobs in construction and manufacturing across Queensland.
.The $4.6 billion contract delivers on construction, manufacturing and maintenance for the next 15 years.

The Queensland made Train Manufacturing Program includes:

. 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
.the ongoing operation and maintenance of the fleet and rail facility.

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1674623767375663104

"The new trains will be more accessible for people with a disability, with the addition of Train Boarding Bridges and Electronic Levelling Controls to address the gaps between platforms and trains, as well as phone charging capabilities."

Nice.

...and still with a 20Mb Wi-Fi limit and numerous black-spots along the North Coast Line north of Caboolture.

Video: https://backontrack.org/docs/qtmp/QR_Train_2023.02.03_NoAudio.mp4 230MB

Facebook ...

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1674621278274322433

Some stills from the video:

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1674637852955807745

Need to be building just as many regional rail trains to run up and down the NCL and inland lines in between the Tourist Trains

Not gonna happen. Simply not feisable. Ncl where the patronage would be is aurizon network and heavy coal train traffic. Remember tilts have specific windows. Late running just blows out time. No mtce facilities. No crews. No stabling provisions. Mixed electrical and non ohle running. Aurizon is actively removing ohle and rail infrastructure. Reallocating rollingstock also has the same problems. Quite frankly money better spent elsewhere. If you can't run a frequent bus with decent patronage why sink a large fortune on the same rail service. That's also not taking into account speed restrictions during summer time ie timber/steel/cement sleepers and the type of rail installed.

Not hating on the idea but there is not a chance of a "regional" network popping up in Queensland. Your only regional network is Toowoomba and a couple places along the ncl. And given the alignment north road transit times are quite impressive compared to heavy rail.

Sent to all outlets:

Sixty-five new trains - confirmed

1st July 2023

RAIL Back On Track welcomes confirmation that Downer Maryborough is now ' locked in ' to deliver 65 six car trains for use on the SEQ rail network, with the first train to be delivered in 2026 (1).  This is after the commissioning of Cross River Rail, expect limited opportunities for improved peak train frequency until these new trains are in service.

We note the particular attention to meeting the needs of all passengers. The addition of ' Train Boarding Bridges ' and electronic levelling will improve access to and from the trains with varying platform heights and gaps. The non DDA compliance of the New Generation Rollingstock trains has been an important lesson for all involved. We expect this aspect of the new trains will be done right this time.

The State Government also needs to reflect on the unsatisfactory situation with long distance rail services in Queensland.  The service cuts from the 17th July 2023 due to the necessary maintenance of the Electric Tilt Trains (2, 3), highlights sadly the lack of suitable rollingstock for long distance rail passenger services in Queensland.  At a time when long distance rail services demand is increasing and rail travel should be encouraged, there is a reduction in service - a perverse outcome. The Long-distance passenger rail business case (4) should be expanded to include increased services between Brisbane and Maryborough, Bundaberg and Rockhampton, as well as the Inlander, Spirit of the Outback and the Westlander.

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

References:

1. Maryborough's Downer locked in as Queensland's rail manufacturing powerhouse 30th June 2023
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98096

2. QR Long Distance Passenger Services - from 17th July 2023
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15242.0

3. Queensland Parliament: Question on Notice No. 688
https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/688-2023.pdf

4. Long-distance passenger rail business case
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/long-distance-passenger-rail-business-case

Facebook ...

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

> https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/programs/queensland-train-manufacturing-program

Quote... February 2023: Announcement of Downer as the preferred applicant to deliver Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
June 2023: Design, Build and Maintain Contract is awarded to Downer.
Late 2023: Construction of the manufacturing and rail facilities expected to commence.
2032: All trains expected to be in service.

Future dates are indicative only.

Linked In

Rail Express --> John Holland to build Downer train facility

QuoteDowner EDI has partnered with John Holland to design, build and commission a state-of-the-art, purpose-built train manufacturing facility as part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

This facility, at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region, will support the delivery of 65 six-car passenger trains for the Queensland rail network. ...

https://twitter.com/7NewsWideBay/status/1674690239301042176

Couriermail --> Taxpayers slogged extra $2.4 billion for flagship train manufacturing $

QuoteCosts on the government's flagship train program have blown out by a sum equivalent to ten Wellcamp quarantine facilities, with accusations they attempted to hide the huge cost from taxpayers.

Queenslanders will be slugged a whopping $2.4bn extra for a flagship state government train manufacturing program, with the eye-watering sum quietly updated on the state's Transport and Main Roads website.

The shock increase comes just two weeks ago Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced company Downer had signed a $4.6bn contract within the $7.1bn Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which would see 65 new trains built in Maryborough.

But since that announcement the transport department has updated their website to reflect the cost of the program has now skyrocketed to $9.5bn – an increase of more than 33 per cent. ...

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/programs/queensland-train-manufacturing-program

Government Statement https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98096 30th June 2023 did state

" ... The $7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is now in motion with a $4.6 billion contract now officially signed for Downer Group to design and manufacture these trains. ... "

Couriermail --> Transport Minister Mark Bailey admits he knew about $2.4bn train cost blowout two weeks ago $

QuoteThe Transport Minister has been forced to admit he knew about the huge cost blowout to his government's flagship train building program while he was spruiking it using old figures.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has admitted he already knew Queensland's flagship train manufacturing program had blown out by an extra $2.4bn when the government spruiked it just two weeks ago using the previous cost figures.

The flustered minister on Friday said he couldn't recall when he found out the project had blown out, and bizarrely denied there was a lack of transparency over the whopping 33 per cent cost spike because it was uploaded on "the world wide web".

On Thursday The Courier-Mail revealed the Transport and Main Roads website had been changed to reveal the cost of the government's Queensland Train Manufacturing Program – a key election promise to build 65 trains in Maryborough – had risen from $7.1bn to $9.5bn. ...

^ this is a sign of how far they are off the PR pace these days. 

Complete & utter fuk-up by Minister et al. 

Too many spinners and not enough doers.  It's curtains?

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1679766483189002240

https://twitter.com/SteveMinnikinMP/status/1679778888740909056

https://twitter.com/couriermail/status/1679748448604811265

Whilst I don't see this as a blowout as it the scope that has changed it has been poorly handled like so much this Minister does!!

Well beyond time to remove him as Minister and overhaul TMR to just a Department of Transport (why does 1 mode have to be specially named?) and the public Transport Operations split into separated entity!

Quote from: Jonno on July 15, 2023, 07:42:22 AMWhilst I don't see this as a blowout as I the scope has changed it has been poorly handled like so much this Minister does!!

Well beyond time to remove him as Minister and overhaul TMR to just a Department of Transport (why does 1 mode have to be specially named?) and the public Transport Operations split into separated entity!

+1

This is a major workplace (public & private) culture issue.

People seem to be unable to listen to or deliver bad news and be objective about it so the right actions can be taken. Indeed, this inability to deal with 'bad news' was a finding of the review into QR and the timetable fiasco that occurred when the Redcliffe Peninsula Line opened.

We also see it in a different form when RTI/FOI applications are bogged down, and we see it again in the Robodebt scandal where advices and reports are simply edited, drafted, or spun out of existence because the contents were not favourable.

I don't know what the solution is. Do the public service Director-Generals possess tenure?

People and institutions can avoid reality... but they cannot avoid its consequences.

 

I personally would rather NGR's made in India considering this astronomic cost and put the change into our failing health system and the police force.

We cannot have a jobs at any cost mentality. This blow out could have funded other major projects and employed more people in the process and produced a better outcome for Queensland.

What a joke.

Quote from: kram0 on July 15, 2023, 17:43:38 PMI personally would rather NGR's made in India considering this astronomic cost and put the change into our failing health system and the police force.

We cannot have a jobs at any cost mentality. This blow out could have funded other major projects and employed more people in the process and produced a better outcome for Queensland.

What a joke.

Moot point when the NGR had its fair share of cost blowouts. It's part of the course with Government projects to be honest, especially with inflation going the way it is. The issue isn't that the price had to increase, but instead that Mark Bailey and the rest of the Government weren't forthcoming about it.