- Beenleigh Steel Fabrications has been awarded the contract to deliver structural steel for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP).
- The $40 million contract will create six new jobs and support 14 apprentices and trainees.
- Construction of the train manufacturing facility buildings are scheduled to start mid-2024, with planned completion in early 2025.
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program’s (QTMP) facility near Maryborough will be built with steel supplied by a Beenleigh company through a $40 million contract that will create new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.
Beenleigh Steel Fabrications has been awarded the government contract to supply and install 2400 tonnes of structural steel for the buildings that will make up the QTMP train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, near Maryborough.
The industry leader was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process due to demonstrated capability and capacity, its state-of -the-art fabrication workshop at Berrinba and commitment to local and indigenous employment.
Buildings being constructed by Beenleigh Steel Fabrications at Torbanlea include the train manufacturing facility, administrative building, a gatehouse and pump house.
The contract is expected to create six new jobs, and the hiring of 10 apprentices and four trainees. The new jobs will bolster Beenleigh Steel Fabrication’s 80 strong Queensland workforce.
Construction of the train manufacturing facility buildings is scheduled to start mid-2024 and is planned for completion in early 2025.
Beenleigh Steel Fabrications has a 44-year involvement in Queensland’s construction landscape with multiple large projects including Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba and Cross River Rail.
The company’s new Berrinba workshop was built with support from the Queensland Government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Trade and Investment and State Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick:
“Queensland has a great manufacturing history which is why it was important to bring train manufacturing back to the Sunshine State.
“Beenleigh Steel Fabrications, based in the Woodridge electorate, is one of these great Queensland manufacturing success stories, a story that will continue for years to come.
“The $40 million contract with Beenleigh Steel will not only deliver the structural steel for the train manufacturing facilities, it will also create six good jobs, 10 apprenticeships and four traineeships.
“The new jobs at Beenleigh Steel are part of 360 needed to build the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program facility and more than 380 required to manufacture the trains.
“These new jobs and important traineeships are exactly what families need as Queenslanders face national cost of living pressures.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:
“The Miles Government is proud to deliver the QTMP, a program that is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland.
“We know our Queensland manufacturers are some of the best in the world, so it’s fantastic to be part of the Miles Labor Government that’s bringing train manufacturing back to local workshops.
“More than 360 jobs will be supported during construction of the facility overall, with another 380-plus long-term manufacturing jobs supported to build the QTMP trains when manufacturing begins.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing, Regional Development and Jobs and Maryborough MP, Bruce Saunders:
“The Miles Government is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland, supporting good jobs and billions in investment for the regions.
“The jobs to be created by Beenleigh Steel Fabrications will have a positive, long-term effect for Queensland, including the Fraser Coast.
“I’ve fought long and hard to secure train manufacturing in my electorate. We’re delivering trains made in Queensland, for Queenslanders.”
Quotes attributable to Downer, Executive General Manager, Passenger North & Contractors Representative, QTMP, Kamal Habibullah
“This is a significant step forward for QTMP. Downer is proud to be working on this program for Queenslanders, continuing our proud history on the Fraser Coast and providing significant employment opportunities to local people.
“We’re working to bring train manufacturing back to Queensland and our competitive tender process ensures the best outcomes are secured.”
Quotes attributable to John Holland Qld General Manager, Colin Matthews
“At John Holland, we’re always looking for opportunities to improve benefits to the community and leave a positive legacy. This is another great example of building Queensland local jobs, capability and Indigenous employment – while delivering great project outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to Beenleigh Steel Fabrications Director Anthony Stoeckert:
“Beenleigh Steel Fabrications is delighted to team with Downer and John Holland in bringing back train manufacturing to Queensland through the QTMP.
“We have long been associated with large projects in Queensland. This one is particularly special however, as it will enhance the manufacturing capacity of the state through its long-term development of the skills and infrastructure that is needed to keep up with the projected growth of industry in Queensland.”
About QTMP
QTMP will build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Maryborough region. As part of the program, a new rail facility will also be constructed at Ormeau, in the Gold Coast region.
Downer was awarded the Design Build Maintain Contract for QTMP in June 2023. They have sub-contracted John Holland to build the train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea.
QTMP will support South East Queensland’s population and economic growth, as well as Cross River Rail and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The first QTMP train is anticipated to be manufactured and begin testing by late 2026, with all trains expected to be in service by 2032.
The new, modern train fleet will provide passengers with more efficient, reliable, and accessible travel across South East Queensland.
