Miles Doing What Matters: New $7.1 million Manufacturing Centre of Excellence for Maryborough

• New $7.1 million skills and training facility to be built in Maryborough  
• Train manufacturing skills will be a key part of Manufacturing Centre of Excellence training program
• Investment will bolster the region’s capacity to generate more skilled manufacturing workers

Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher and Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders joined Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) to announce the Miles Labor Government will build a new $7.1 million skills and training facility in Maryborough that will put the region's workforce at the forefront of the state's manufacturing industry.

The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will give local workers and jobseekers the skills they need to fill training gaps within identified sectors with a strong focus on upskilling more workers to support Queensland’s significant investment in train manufacturing.

The $9.5 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will see 65 six-car passenger trains manufactured at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region, supporting 1,300 jobs throughout the life of the project.

The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will provide world class facilities that could skill workers in advanced machining, CNC, robotics and augmented welding, along with integrating extended reality (virtual, augmented, and mixed).

Downer have come on board as a foundation member of the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, partnering with Manufacturing Skills Queensland to deliver training in advanced manufacturing. 

This will provide sustainable, long-term and local training opportunities that will support train manufacturing and industries in the manufacturing supply chain across the Fraser Coast region, developing job opportunities and providing a lasting legacy for the region.

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

"Labor is the only party prioritising jobs and skills for Queenslanders because we know local job opportunities are key to strengthening communities.

“Only a Miles Labor Government is delivering the train manufacturing program in Queensland – and we’re making sure we have the skilled workers to support this crucial project and future opportunities in manufacturing.

“Thanks to Labor, trains will be made by Queenslanders for Queenslanders. The LNP sent train manufacturing offshore and imported trains that were not compliant with disability standards.

“Not only are we delivering jobs for Queenslanders in manufacturing but these trains will be the most accessible in the country. The LNP call this program a “road to nowhere” and we know that means they’d cut train manufacturing if given half the chance.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Maryborough and Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing, Regional Development and Jobs, Bruce Saunders:

"We're not just manufacturing trains here in Maryborough, we're creating a lasting legacy for our region's industry that will deliver good local jobs for generations to come.

"Queensland's Big Build is booming, so this new facility will put Maryborough - and the locals who'll benefit - at the front of the queue for the good manufacturing jobs we're creating.

"Only Labor can be trusted to bring back training to Maryborough after David Crisafulli and Campbell Newman smashed our TAFE campus to pieces and gave all those locals the sack.

"There's no way the LNP could deliver this for us in Maryborough – they're flat out running a chook raffle – so you can bet your house that it'll be one of the first things they cut."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum:

“This new facility will do what matters for the Wide Bay workers of today, and tomorrow.

“The funding for this training facility is only possible thanks to progressive coal royalties which puts it right on the chopping block for David Crisafulli and the LNP.

“There’s no clearer difference between Labor and the LNP than when it comes to jobs and training, their plan will jack up course fees, close campuses, and sack staff across Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Manufacturing Skills Queensland CEO, Rebecca Andrews:

"Manufacturing is one of Queensland’s most significant and innovative industry sectors collectively contributing billions of dollars to the Queensland economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

"The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, builds on the significant manufacturing investment in the region, and will require a vibrant training sector to deliver a range of vocational courses and a large pool of skilled available labour.”

Quotes attributable to Downer, Commercial Director QTMP, Kerry Armstrong:

“Downer is excited to be part of such a transformational initiative for Queenslanders. Students at the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will have the opportunity to learn advanced manufacturing techniques, that can be employed during the operation of our train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea once it is completed.

“The Centre of Excellence will include state of the art equipment and processes that support robotics, augmented reality and virtual reality.  The facility will showcase best management practices in manufacturing and safety.

“Downer is proud to play a key foundational role in developing the Fraser Coast region into Queensland's rail manufacturing hub. In order to successfully deliver 65 six-car train sets, we need suitably qualified people. The Centre of Excellence will enable us to train these people right on the Fraser Coast, on the doorstep of the train manufacturing facility.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland and Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union Executive Officer, Ann-Marie Allan:

"Growing the manufacturing sector in both traditional and new industries will not only support economic diversity and resilience but will create new jobs.

"The establishment of a world-class training facility, including the availability of a range of specialised equipment, will ensure a workforce pipeline capability that can support not just Maryborough, but Queensland’s future manufacturing needs."

Further information:

About Manufacturing Skills Queensland

MSQ is an independent body established to build a sustainable and skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry.

It is designed to connect and support manufacturing businesses and the wider industry with the skills, opportunities and information to build a thriving future in manufacturing.

MSQ will ensure Queenslanders have the right skills to work in the manufacturing sector, will assist businesses to enhance Queensland’s manufacturing capability and ensure that local manufacturers are engaged with government procurement processes.

MSQ’s focus and vision will help the industry continue to create good, secure jobs and better services and cement Queensland’s reputation as a world-leading manufacturing powerhouse.

About QTMP

QTMP will build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region. As part of the program, a new rail facility will also be constructed at Ormeau, in the Gold Coast region.

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. 

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004