Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QMTP)

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) has a goal of supporting Queensland’s population and economic growth by building 65 new 6-car passenger trains.

This program has increased hundreds of manufacturing jobs and for Queensland. With an emphasis of local rolling stock parts being manufactured in Queensland.

A major infrastructure initiative is underway involving the development of a specialised train manufacturing hub in Torbanlea, situated near Maryborough. Complementing this, a new rail depot designed for train servicing and stabling will be established in Ormeau, located on the Gold Coast.

In June 2023, Downer was selected by the Queensland Government to deliver the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) under a comprehensive Design, Build, Maintain (DBM) contract. Since receiving the contract, Downer has begun both the in-depth design phase and preparatory work on-site.

Once operational, the program will support ongoing maintenance for the new rolling stock fleet, including the use of simulators and operations at the Ormeau facility. The initial maintenance agreement spans 15 years, with the option to extend up to a total of 35 years.

The procurement strategy has split the initiative into two key components: the manufacturing of trains and the first 15 years of upkeep. These elements are encapsulated within a single Design, Build, Maintain contract valued at approximately $4.6 billion.

Source: Downer

The development of the new train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea is progressing steadily. Downer has commenced early works, which involve creating access points to the site, setting up temporary construction infrastructure, and conducting large-scale earthworks. Simultaneously, the facility’s detailed design phase is advancing alongside these on-ground activities.

Key Milestones

• Early 2025 – Finalisation of facility design
• Late 2025 – Completion of construction and commencement of manufacturing activities
• Late 2026 – Completion of the first train and the beginning of operational testing

Progress continues on the construction of the Ormeau rail facility, a key component of the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ QTMP. Initial phases of the project have included the creation of access routes to the site, establishment of work compounds, and major earthworks. Concurrently, design work for the facility is advancing.

The final design documentation for the Ormeau facility is projected to be completed in early 2025.

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) represents a significant step forward in enhancing Queensland’s rail infrastructure, supporting population growth, and bolstering the local economy. With the development of purpose-built manufacturing and maintenance facilities, the program is creating hundreds of skilled jobs while ensuring the state’s transport network is equipped for the future.

As Downer progresses through the design and construction phases, the program remains on track to deliver the first train by late 2026, followed by rigorous operational testing. With a $4.6 billion investment and a long-term maintenance strategy in place, QTMP is set to play a crucial role in Queensland’s public transport landscape for decades to come.