Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP)

[HappyTrainGuy]

Also the facility the NGRs were constructed at a large scale along with prefab setups so materials and labour was cheaper.

[JimmyP]

The $7b likely includes:
- Trains
- New manufacturing facility and associated costs
- Maintenance for 30+ years
- New stabling areas
- New maintenance facilities
- Contingency money

Whether all that should/does add up to $7b or not, I couldn't say. As has been said above, it may also be a preliminary figure until details are nailed down.

Edit: Quite possible the figure also includes the purchase and set up of Rocky Workshops as well

[#Metro]

Can we just get a clear idea of how much each train costs, stripped of any other associated costs like building the manufacturing plant, 30 years of mtce etc?

Dividing the total project cost gives $100 million for one train, which seems extraordinarily expensive (a bus is about $1 million). A reasonable figure I would think would be around $10-20 million each.

[JimmyP]

That will most likely be wrapped up as commercial in confidence with the eventual contractor/builder.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Don't forget to add in the accumulation of spare parts for the fleet.

There are quite a number of proposed stabling facilities out there aswell - some of which won't be made public or built until later dates.

[#Metro]

That will most likely be wrapped up as commercial in confidence with the eventual contractor/builder.

Practices like this go against democratic review. How are we as voters supposed to judge whether we agreed or disagreed with what the Queensland Government bought with our own money?

[SurfRail]

How are we supposed to get competitive bids if contractors have to make this information public?  Who would bid on anything knowing that all their scoping and feasibility work can be picked over by the general public?

Be realistic.

[#Metro]

How are we supposed to get competitive bids if contractors have to make this information public?  Who would bid on anything knowing that all their scoping and feasibility work can be picked over by the general public?

Be realistic.

Would you go shopping in a supermarket that had all the price labels covered up?

What about taking a job with an employer that wouldn't tell you what the hourly rate of pay was?

This type of secrecy is only necessary for markets where there are limited suppliers like one or two.

Maybe that is the case if we doggedly insist on only buying from 'inside Queensland' where there really might only be ONE supplier.

This is simply not the case when we expand the pool nationally - more suppliers, or globally - heaps of suppliers.


It is also unnecessary to continue to maintain the secrecy after the deal has been sealed and concluded IMHO. Trains are not purchased all the time, and it will be a while (5-10 years) until the next bid needs to be made, plenty can change between that time and the prices will be obsolete.

How do we know that we are not actually paying $100 million per train? Sorry, but I think deals like this attract public suspicion when they are secret.

[#Metro]

Victorian Government Tenders and Contracts >> https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/

I hope to persuade members here that we should perhaps move to a more transparent way with contracts, tenders etc.

You can download the full text of the agreement (some redactions, but these are minimal) as well from the profile cards.

CLICK images to expand the images.

[#Metro]

Here is an interesting one - the entire MR3 contract - all $3.7 billion of it.

From that you can work backwards with other information to get ball park estimates of how much it might cost to run a train in Melbourne.

https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/contract/view?id=48844

Maybe with a bit of searching we can find out what level crossing removals would cost in Queensland?

[JimmyP]

How do we know we're not paying $100m per train? Because of all the things that will be included that has been written above. Easy.
30+yrs Maintenance, new stabling, new maintenance workshop, new manufacturing facilities, trains, spare parts, quite possibly training costs etc.
Also, there really aren't that many EMU manufacturers (generic term, not QR EMU class) around the world these days. Even when looking internationally, the tenders usually come down to 4 or maybe 5 joint ventures, with Siemens, UGL, Downer and Alsthom being the main partners, if none have teamed up together. So no, there's not 'heaps' of suppliers in this regard. Single companies don't tender for these types of contracts anymore, it's always joint ventures.

I'm also not seeing much that's overly transparent in your screenshots. 'Railway and tramway machibery and equipment' could actually mean anything from a new wheel lathe for those trains, to $100m worth of spare parts to the exisitkng fleet, to actual new trains.

[#Metro]

How do we know we're not paying $100m per train? Because of all the things that will be included that has been written above. Easy.

So how much do the trains cost then? And is this higher or lower than alternative sources from say, overseas, and by how much?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Rollingstock refurbishments are also taken into account iirc. Overseas is always going to be cheaper. For example the NGR's were a very basic slap together job done on a large scale production line which we currently do not have here. The can source materials cheaper as they buy in bulk (materials might be used across 5 different train fleets for other providers). Labour is cheaper. Not sure why you are getting hung up on costings.

Re EMU spare parts. QR manufacture some parts to keep them going. Parts have also changed over the years for example seat frames. Other parts are also sourced elsewhere.

[#Metro]

Was it possible then that we could have got the same designed train from elsewhere, for example, Alstom Perth or Alstom (formerly Bombardier) Melbourne?

Former Bombardier Melbourne Manufacturing Plant: https://www.danielbowen.com/2016/08/22/bombardiers-dandenong-factory/

[HappyTrainGuy]

No. Maybe. Depends. But mostly no. Also a lot of misleading information in that post.

You also have to take into account the new standards in safety. For instance the 160/260 got around some of these due to their initial order date. And even then they were based off the body of a train meant for Perth. They arrived in drips and drabs as they couldn't pump them out quick enough. It's also another reason as to why state government didn't order additional rollingstock as costs would go up significantly in raw materials and safety modifications. At the moment the NGR's are the only trains in the fleet that meet these standards.

[Stillwater]

For Anna and Co., it must be the path of the 'Queensland Train built by Queenslanders'.  To do otherwise would be to incur the wrath of the electorate, even though the new train sets could be manufactured elsewhere. It couldn't be the Victorian train for Queensland, as our favourite politician, Jim Hacker, discovered when it comes to sausages.



Could the Queensland train be called the "reinforced steel, wheel-based tubular passenger conveyance"? We might just get away with it... The QUEENSLANDER!! design carriages.

[JimmyP]

Information from someone directly involved in NGR design/manufacture says that by the time shipping costs, people movement between Aus and India etc is accounted for, it would have been cheaper for the NGRs to be built here rather than India. The main reason for going overseas was the large amount of frames in a small amount of time, Maryborough couldn't deliver that fast. A brand new manufacturing facility will likely overcome much of that.

[SurfRail]

As would having a constant drumbeat of orders instead of massive batches and then nothing.  That would also allow us to retire rollingstock after 30 years of life instead of persisting on running stuff until it can't be repaired.

[JimmyP]

Yep! Absolutely.

How do we know we're not paying $100m per train? Because of all the things that will be included that has been written above. Easy.

So how much do the trains cost then? And is this higher or lower than alternative sources from say, overseas, and by how much?

Seriously?! 
How many times does it have to be said before you understand? Anyone who actually does know this would be under strict NDAs at this point, particularly as the contracts for the trains haven't even been signed yet! Give it a break!

[SABB]

JimmyP wrote
Information from someone directly involved in NGR design/manufacture says that by the time shipping costs, people movement between Aus and India etc is accounted for, it would have been cheaper for the NGRs to be built here rather than India.
The Minister for Transport said that Campbell Newman had ordered "half priced trains". If the above statement is true, then the total contract cost has doubled. This is difficult to believe unless the contract manager has made a monumental stuffup.
In any event, it would appear that the NGR Project Manager made a administrative blunder at the contract award. TMR should not have accepted the Bombardier QA system as the only inspection and approval system.
I worked in manufacture and fabrication for a short period. Our firm had need for some steel fabrication and machining works. The Australian manufacturing industry, at that time, was flat out servicing the coal mining sector and no fabricator was interested. The boss sent the jobs to Japan, Malaysia and India. He also engaged an Australian  consulting engineering firm with offices in each of the overseas cities where the work would be carried out. Their role was to independently implement a supervisory and inspection system for all works. All process stages were to be checked and certified by our consultant before any work progressed to the next stage. All of this was additional to the contract and the costs carried by us. We got products that were fully compliant with the specification and drawings. TMR should have done the same with the NGR contract.
By the way, after about 2 months, we cancelled the checking work in Japan. The Japanese fabricator built to higher manufacturing standards that used in Australia.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Also the NGR contract wasn't completed or fully delivered. Original scope was the first of the rollingstock expansions followed up with full EMU replacement and then a second rollingstock expansion. That fact we still have EMU's that have undergone extension of life testing that we supposed to be scrapped in 2016 shows how far the contract was completed.

[JimmyP]

I'm fairly sure Bombardier also underestimated the costs involved in the NGR build, I believe they have lost money on the contract (can't remember where I read that though)

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2021/2021_10_26_DAILY.pdf

Questions Without Notice 26 Oct 2021

Railways, Manufacturing

Mr TANTARI: My question is of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and I am sure the
member for Maryborough will love this one. Can the minister update the House on the government's
train rolling stock program?

Mr BAILEY: I thank the honourable member for the question. Of course, I also acknowledge the
great contribution of the assistant minister for rail manufacturing, the member for Maryborough, on this
historic announcement of the largest ever investment in rail manufacturing in this state's history.

Sixty-five new trains are coming and they will be made right here in this state by Queensland workers
for Queensland commuters. This commitment means a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at
Torbanlea, outside Maryborough. I thank the member for Maryborough who has been an incredible
advocate for Maryborough all the way through. The project will benefit Hervey Bay as well. The whole
region will benefit from having quality jobs building quality trains for quality public transport. That is what
this government stands for.

Let us compare that to those opposite. They sent this work overseas. When those opposite were
in power and the Leader of the Opposition was in cabinet, their policy was to make Maryborough a
ghost town. Under this government it is a boom town because the jobs are flowing like there is no
tomorrow. I look forward to seeing these trains go out. They will be disability compliant.

Mr Minnikin interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: I am sorry, Minister. Member for Chatsworth, you have been skating under the
radar for most of question time. No longer. You are warned under the standing orders.

Mr BAILEY: Those trains will support population growth. They will support and run on the Cross
River Rail project. They will be there for the games. They will create 800 rail manufacturing and
construction jobs for the area. What did we get from the Leader of the Opposition? You would think he
might have learnt from history: 'We botched it before so maybe I should learn? We cut Cross River Rail
when we were in government. Maybe I will learn?' What did he say? Did he back it in? Did he say, 'This
is great for Queensland jobs! We are making trains!' No! All we heard was criticism, moaning and
whingeing. The Leader of the Opposition has learnt nothing.

Mr Nicholls interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: The member for Clayfield will cease his interjections.

Mr BAILEY: In the last election campaign the LNP costings made it very clear that they were
budgeting to buy trains from overseas again. That is what their own costings said. The Leader of the
Opposition had the opportunity to distance himself from those ridiculous policies and those failures.
You botched it in government and you have promised to botch it again.

Mr SPEAKER: Through the chair, Minister.

Mr BAILEY: Those opposite do not learn. We build, we manufacture and we create jobs. Those
opposite cut and they send jobs overseas. They promised to do it at the last election and here they are,
doing it again. Let us look at their record. They cut Cross River Rail twice. They ordered trains that were
not disability compliant from overseas. They stopped the training of drivers in the last year they were in
power.

Mr Nicholls interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: The member for Clayfield is warned under the standing orders.

Mr BAILEY: They predicted it would take 36 years to get back to a full timetable and it was six
weeks later. Thank you, member for Chatsworth! They cut jobs. They cut 700 road worker jobs. They
cut when they were in power. We do not cut; we build. That is what this government does and we will
keep doing it.
(Time expired)

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2021/2021_10_26_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Railways, Manufacturing

Hon. A PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) (Premier and Minister for the Olympics) (9.39 am): We are
building trains, trains and more trains in Maryborough. Today I can confirm that my government will
deliver the largest investment in rail infrastructure that Queensland has ever seen. We will invest
$7.1 billion to build and operate 65 trains and keep our economic recovery on track—made in
Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders. This will create 800 jobs in Maryborough and the
Wide Bay region and up to 3,000 jobs throughout Queensland.

Opposition members interjected.

Ms PALASZCZUK: They do not like jobs. They do not like good news.

Opposition members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Order, members! For the record, members, 'Toot, toot!' is not an acceptable
interjection. I will ask members to go with, 'Chugga, chugga, chugga, chugga!' instead.

Ms PALASZCZUK: It was great to join the Treasurer, the Minister for Transport, the assistant
minister who is the member for Maryborough, and the member for Hervey Bay and the mayor to make
the historic announcement in Maryborough on Wednesday.

Mr BLEIJIE: Chugga, chugga!

Ms PALASZCZUK: Don't worry, member for Kawana, he will be 90 per cent by the next election.
We know that this investment will not just benefit Maryborough; it will have strong flow-on benefits for
the whole Wide Bay region, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses and workers in the
member for Hervey Bay's electorate as well.

At the election I committed to deliver a $1 billion rail manufacturing pipeline, including a plan to
build 20 new trains in Queensland. Our now $7.1 billion investment will build on that promise,
turbocharging Queensland's rail manufacturing sector and locking in the funds required to operate
these engines once they are operating in the South East.

On this side of the House, we understand that manufacturing means jobs. Whether it is trains in
Maryborough, hydrogen electrolysers in Gladstone, or combat reconnaissance vehicles at Redbank in
Ipswich, we are partnering with the private sector and investing in manufacturing to create long-term
sustainable jobs in Queensland.

Queensland is definitely the place to be. More people and more Australians want to live and work
in the Sunshine State—our Olympic State. Our population is expected to grow by 1.5 million people by
2040. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, I know these numbers will continue to grow in the future.
My government will continue to invest in transport infrastructure to create jobs and deliver our Economic
Recovery Plan.

====

Mr Speaker, it is CHUFF CHUFF !!   

[ozbob]

 

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1453143513088937984

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93614

The South East wins big in historic train plan
27th October 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

South East Queensland will reap the benefits of the Palaszczuk Government's $7.1 billion investment in the rail manufacturing sector.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the announcement would create construction, maintenance and operational jobs across the region.

"We're investing in manufacturing to create jobs for Queenslander," Mr Bailey said.

"This announcement bolsters our government's commitment to the industry – building on the $600 million pledged at the election for 20 new trains with an option for a further 45.

"As our population continues to grow, Cross River Rail tunnels toward completion and we prepare for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, it's clear we'll need all 65.

"I look forward to seeing Queensland trains on track, built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders."

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the plan would support the massive growth predicted in the Gold Coast region.

"The Gold Coast is predicted to be one of the fastest growing regions in the state," Ms Scanlon said.

"We're already building three new stations as part of the Cross River Rail project and improving access the Gold Coast's rail network.

"As part of this rail plan, new facilities will be built on the Gold Coast to support the expanding rail fleet.

"This means long-term, quality jobs in the region from construction through to operations."

Mr Bailey said the Moreton Bay region would also play a key role in delivering the $7.1 billion plan.

"Labor's plan is about locking in secure jobs and training opportunities for a generation of Queensland workers," he said.

"The benefits of this investment will be felt far and wide, and for years to come as the new trains roll out onto the South East Queensland network.

"That extends here to Moreton Bay, where a new facility will be built to support Queensland Rail's ongoing operations.

"Together, we are building back better right here in Queensland."

Cross River Rail is on track for first services to begin operating in 2025.

What building new trains in Queensland means:

65 six-car passenger trains to be built in Maryborough for use on the South-East Queensland rail network
ENDS

[#Metro]

The South East wins big in historic train plan
27th October 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

So... IF the costs were excessive because of the absolute insistence to manufacture them in Queensland, as compared to manufacturing them in Perth WA (where Queensland Rail has bought trains in the past), or Vic Melbourne, or international purchase, then this is actually a net opportunity loss.

How much did one train cost? 20-30 million each? Is that about ballpark?

[JimmyP]

Actually, QR haven't purchased trains from Perth, the opposite actually.
Depends how much weight local jobs etc factors in to costs and benefits vs other options.

[#Metro]

I think you're right. The Series A and B trains were built in Queensland and then bought by WA.
But now WA too has instituted an anti-trade policy which means they will build at least half of their trains within WA state borders.

That means the orders that would have otherwise gone to create work in Maryborough have now been diverted away from Queensland. This would explain in part then why it is convenient the Queensland Government insist on local production.

The end state is that we have three train manufacturing plants doing one third of the national train order when we could perhaps have one larger scale plant doing the lot and with efficiencies of both scale and scope.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1452900092508192768

[#Metro]

So the new train order might end up costing twice as much than ordering overseas? I know that CAPEX and OPEX costs aren't separated but given those costs are bundled together in both then the relatives cost is what tells us the cost.

There is an option built into the new order for more trains, I wonder how that works.

[SurfRail]

The material put out makes it clear the total REP "cost" includes stabling and maintenance facilities in various parts of SEQ, so it wouldn't be a contract award of $7.1bn to any one mob.

Knowing this government it might even include additional outlay for the ETCS L2 rollout.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I think you're right. The Series A and B trains were built in Queensland and then bought by WA.
But now WA too has instituted an anti-trade policy which means they will build at least half of their trains within WA state borders.

That means the orders that would have otherwise gone to create work in Maryborough have now been diverted away from Queensland. This would explain in part then why it is convenient the Queensland Government insist on local production.

The end state is that we have three train manufacturing plants doing one third of the national train order when we could perhaps have one larger scale plant doing the lot and with efficiencies of both scale and scope.

They were built in Queensland as we had the only narrow gauge manufacturing facility at the time. Down south they could not test the trains on their track. Same with the NGR's. All testing was done here with faults being resolved locally/back in the factory. While the two trains are manufactured in the same facility they do have differences as they have always had. Same with the VLine and Adalides trains. They all share a similar outer body but that's about it. For an extreme example their first electric trains are similar to our EMU running gear in a SMU body. We then ordered SMUs that had a similar body but totally different running gear. Same with the IMU100/120 and SMU220. They all have similar bodies but the internal fit outs are totally different with components that can't be swapped or used between the different classes - which is adding to their runnings costs. So while the same factory made them and they look similar they are still different from each other.

And additional trains is just that. It will be the same train but just more of. Similar to the NGRs but the government put a halt to the additional trains. Trains that we now desperately need.

Edit: I'll also add a couple other things like transportation costs. You have to regauge the trains for transportation. It's why we see rollingstock driven between qld-wa instead of chucking temp bogies onto them. And then you have the size of the facilities and their output which also do rollingstock refurbs and other contracted work. You also loose out on material costs when different trains have different designs/requirements/budgets. So while you think it might be practical for a few manufacturers down south you can lose out in quite a few ways. Like Perth saw when they had to send back a few damaged trains. The repair bills for minor damage were quite massive because there was no one local to do the repair work.

[Fares_Fair]

The material put out makes it clear the total REP "cost" includes stabling and maintenance facilities in various parts of SEQ, so it wouldn't be a contract award of $7.1bn to any one mob.

Knowing this government it might even include additional outlay for the ETCS L2 rollout.

That's right SR.
The Govt only announced on Wed (date my article was published) that facilities at the Gold Coast and Moreton regions are included, and I was aware of the $239 million for the land and a building at Torbanlea.
That said it will still be a sizeable contract.
It was $600 million for the 20 trains so we can expect it to be of the order of $1.95 billion for the rollingstock alone. Bulk of the remainder on maintenance contract and other additional works.

That 2 of the 3 short-listed tenderers have convictions for conspiracy to corrupt (collusion) in Brazil, and Alstom in quite a few other countries is a concern.

[ozbob]

For your information.  Disclosure log RTI DTMR

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/About-us/Right-to-Information/Disclosure-log.aspx

23 February 2021   RTI-1637 MIN

Documents held between 1 July 2019 to 23 February 2021 relating to:

the need for new trains in Queensland / consideration of who should be considered as the manufacturer of new trains, including any assessment and/or analysis including cost benefit analysis by the department or a third party about value for money for the taxpayer in manufacturing 20 new trains in Queensland (also known as 20 six car Electric Multiple Units)
the drafting of the Rollingstock Expansion Program, specifically the Rollingstock, Maintenance and Manufacturing Package, including the Registration of Interest/Expression of Interest Process and the drafting of the components of the Rollingstock, Maintenance and Manufacturing Package; and
correspondence between the Minister, the Minister's office and the department from relating to the drafting of the components of the Rollingstock, Maintenance and Manufacturing Package and documents relating to correspondence between Downer Group and its representatives about the Rollingstock Expansion Program. (This application was made to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads)

Documents—Part 1 (PDF, 2.07 MB)
Documents—Part 2 (PDF, 406 KB)
Documents—Part 3 (PDF, 6.2 MB)


23 February 2021   RTI-1638

Documents (PDF, 26.81 MB) held between 1 July 2019 to 23 February 2021 relating to:

the need for new trains in Queensland / consideration of who should be considered as the manufacturer of new trains, including any assessment and/or analysis including cost benefit analysis by the department or a third party about value for money for the taxpayer in manufacturing 20 new trains in Queensland (also known as 20 six car Electric Multiple Units)
the drafting of the Rollingstock Expansion Program, specifically the Rollingstock, Maintenance and Manufacturing Package, including the Registration of Interest/Expression of Interest Process
the drafting of the components of the Rollingstock, Maintenance and Manufacturing Package; and
correspondence between the Department and the Minister's office relating to the drafting of the components of the Rollingstock, Maintenance and Manufacturing Package; and documents relating to correspondence between Downer Group and its representatives about the Rollingstock Expansion Program.

====

^ There are some redactions but there is information of interest.

[achiruel]

A comment on our Facebook post.

https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/5009768289037318?comment_id=5009800715700742

Let's hope these trains have a greater speed than 140.
We have long straight tracks where 160 - 180 is very capable but we don't have the trains that are able to do it.
Here's to hoping!

^ Good point.

There's very few sections of track on the suburban network where speeds of 140+ are achievable. It's basically Beenleigh-Varsity Lakes, Richlands-Springfield and Caboolture-Beerburrum.

With the addition of infill stations on the Gold Coast line, the opportunity for sustained 140+ running will be even less. Faster acceleration should be a higher priority IMO than trying to achieve speeds > 140km/h. Also straightening of existing slow sections of track such as will soon happen around Trinder Park, although I think they are not going far enough in that instance. The entire section between Kuraby and Kingston needs straightening/curve easing (see attached image, obviously curves won't be angles like my line though  ), but maybe the State doesn't want any more compulsory acquisitions than are already occurring.

[ozbob]

I think Alstom will be a major player in the REP ...

https://twitter.com/railjournal/status/1455910254022115334

[ozbob]

" ... Strict probity requirements were in place through the EOI process to ensure it was fair and competitive, and will remain in place until the contract is awarded in 2022. ... "

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92416

Three train manufacturers shortlisted for Queensland train building program
16th June 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Queensland is one step closer to building its next passenger train fleet after shortlisting three leading train manufacturers to enter the next phase of the Rollingstock Expansion Program (REP).

Train manufacturers Alstom, CAF and Downer Rail have been shortlisted to manufacture the first 20 trains of the new fleet in a purpose-built Maryborough manufacturing facility following an extensive Expression of Interest (EOI) process run by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

The EOI Evaluation Panel was chaired by TMR and included members from TMR, Queensland Rail, Queensland Treasury, the Department of Regional Development and Manufacturing and Water in addition to an independent panel member and a probity specialist.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it builds on the 283 jobs saved by the Palaszczuk Government in 2017, and all up delivers a $1 billion guaranteed pipeline of train building work in Maryborough.

"This $1 billion pipeline is critical to Queensland's economic recovery, and will ensure there are efficient and reliable services for our growing train network for Cross River Rail and beyond," Mr Bailey said.

"We made a $600 million election commitment for 20 new six-car trains to be manufactured in Queensland, and we are now a step closer to delivering.

"Plus there is a further option for an additional 45 additional trains to be built down the track.

"We've also got a $1 million for a business case to build replacement carriages for the iconic Westlander, Inlander and Spirit of the Outback long-distance services right here in Queensland."

Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing Bruce Saunders said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to a new era of rail manufacturing in Queensland.

"We're ensuring the manufacturing and maintaining of trains is being done by Queenslanders to support jobs in Maryborough and other regional centres," Mr Saunders said.

In recognition of the importance of accessibility for REP, the panel included Queensland's former Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Kevin Cocks who is now the Executive General Manager of the Accessibility Transport Network team for TMR.

"By building accessible trains, we are creating opportunities for people to contribute to society through social and economic participation," Mr Cocks said.

Strict probity requirements were in place through the EOI process to ensure it was fair and competitive, and will remain in place until the contract is awarded in 2022.

The shortlisting marks an important milestone for the REP and ensures there is a competitive field of world class manufacturers as Queensland enters a new era of train manufacturing.

REP will provide considerable benefits, modernising and allowing the expansion of South East Queensland's passenger train fleet to support the region's booming population and economic growth.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/1336-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1336
Asked on 27 October 2021

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

QUESTION:
With reference to the government's recent announcement about the Rollingstock Expansion
Project—
Will the Minister now provide an answer to Question on Notice No. 1089 of 2021 about project
milestones?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

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 will help
support the State's economy and bolster Queensland as a leader in rail manufacturing with
longterm jobs and skills development.

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will deliver locally built trains that meet local
requirements, including disability access requirements. This investment is an extension of the
government's $600 million election commitment to build 20 new trains at a purpose-built
manufacturing facility in Maryborough.

Following an Expression of Interest process run by the Department of Transport and Main Roads
(TMR), train manufacturers Alstom, CAF and Downer Rail were shortlisted to manufacture the
first 20 trains of the new rollingstock fleet, with an option for a further 45.

The next procurement phase, the Request for Proposal, commenced in November 2021. During
this phase the shortlisted applicants—Alstom, CAF and Downer Rail—will submit information and
participate in an interactive tender process to develop their proposals. This phase is expected to
close in mid-2022, when the proposals will be rigorously assessed to determine the best outcome
for Queensland jobs, regional economies and growth.

Major project milestones will be finalised through future phases of the tendering process. This
would likely include the pace of delivering operational trains, which would inform the expected
timeframe for the delivery of the twentieth train.

TMR is, however, requesting of proponents that the first tranche of the new fleet to be delivered
from 2025 to support the launch of Cross River Rail. The final contract award will include an
option for further train supply.

Subsequent to a land acquisition, TMR is completing onsite investigations for the proposed
manufacturing facility in Torbanlea. Design and construction activities will commence from
contract award.

[Cazza]

The final contract award will include an option for further train supply.

So is that an option for another delivery down the track after this initial 65 sets? That would definitely be a good move if that is the case to ensure the continual retirement and commencement of new sets as time progresses and allow for more sets to be built to allow for frequency increases as well as network expansions.