Tradie jobs bonanza to put Queensland Train Manufacturing Program back on track

• Major jobs spree announced for Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, with approximately 300 jobs on offer.
• Expressions of interest start today, with full workforce mobilisation to occur as manufacturing ramps up throughout 2026.
• The Crisafulli Government is saving the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program after Labor’s chronic mismanagement. 

The Crisafulli Government is putting the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program back on track, with a massive recruitment drive now underway. 

The workforce mobilisation plan for the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility has today been activated, with approximately 200 trade and 100 professional positions on offer. 

Expressions of Interest for the new trades and professional roles are now live on Downer’s website.  

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program will build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, in the Fraser Coast region.  

It is anticipated that the first QTMP trains will come into passenger service in 2027, with the remainder expected to be in service by 2032, in time for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 Budget is delivering $4.8 billion to save the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program and protect local jobs in Maryborough, which was subject to chronic mismanagement under the former Labor Government who hid $2.4 billion in cost blowouts from Queenslanders.   

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to turn the mismanaged program around. 

“This recruitment drive marks a critical turning point for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program under the Crisafulli Government, creating hundreds of skilled jobs in the Maryborough region,” Minister Last said. 

“The jobs spree includes a staged recruitment plan, with workers to be brought on in structured intakes as manufacturing at the Torbanlea facility scales up. 

“Over the next year, Downer will be looking for boiler makers, mechanics, electricians, fabricators, painters and more – close to 200 trade jobs in total – so my message to tradies is get your CV ready.  

“The Crisafulli Government is saving the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program - and it starts full-steam ahead with this recruitment drive. 

“Construction at the Torbanlea facility is progressing at pace, with structural works and roofing now complete, and internal fit-out ongoing.”  

Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the recruitment drive is a game-changer for the Fraser Coast. 

“These aren’t just jobs – they’re real career pathways for locals, with apprenticeship opportunities for young people,” Mr Barounis said. 

“Locals will be among the first through the door when recruitment begins, exactly how it should be.