State buys Rockhampton railyards to create rail supply chain manufacturing jobs in Central Qld

The Palaszczuk Government has completed the purchase of the Rockhampton railyards from Aurizon in a major step towards creating more rail supply chain manufacturing jobs in Central Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said planning had begun to determine the best use of the railyards for the Rockhampton community, industry and Queensland Rail.

"The Rockhampton railyards are an icon,” the Premier said.

“Rail supply chain manufacturing is part of the history of this city. We want to bring it back.

“That’s why we’ve bought this site – to create more rail supply chain manufacturing jobs here in Rockhampton to support train manufacturing in Maryborough.

"The railyards have been relatively unused for years. It's time to get the area back in action, and back to generating blue collar jobs for Queenslanders.”

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the final uses of the site would be determined after consultation with industry.

"We're already looking at some exciting possibilities for the site, including as a centre of research into hydrogen-powered rail locos and as a major rail supply chain hub,” he said.

"The research into hydrogen-powered trains is particularly exciting. Hydrogen is a clean, green power source and it makes sense to look at it as a potential fuel for our future train fleets.

"TMR is working with partners in the tertiary sector to potentially locate a hydrogen research initiative at the railyards.

"The precinct will also be a major rail supply chain hub for Australia, with an Expression of Interest to launch in the coming weeks, inviting businesses with a unique opportunity to establish themselves at the railyards.

"In addition to the commercial use, later this year we will talk to the local community about how they'd like the site to be activated.

"Any revitalisation work done in the precinct will be done with full respect to the history of this area – including the Heritage Listed sections.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke was a strong advocate for the government’s purchase of the railyards.

“We’re working hard to create good, honest rail jobs here in Rockhampton,” he said.

“Rail supply chain manufacturing is part of our history. It’s in our DNA in Rocky.

“By investing in this facility, we’re not just creating jobs, we’re creating opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain.

"The railyards will be a supply chain source for the government's Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

"This program is a $7.1 billion investment in Queensland rail manufacturing and Queensland jobs.

"It's going to create hundreds of jobs all over Queensland – but particularly here in Rocky."

Assistant Train Manufacturing Minister Bruce Saunders praised the announcement.

“This Labor Government is bringing manufacturing back to Queensland and building trains in Maryborough,” Mr Saunders said.

“The Rocky Railyards have an important role in that delivery and I couldn’t be happier to join the Premier here today.

“Only Labor delivers and we deliver big – jobs, economic boost and better skills for generations to come.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said more jobs meant more opportunity in Central Queensland.

“Already we are seeing more than $1.475 billion delivered in the Fitzroy district alone and this commitment builds on that,” Ms Lauga said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is giving CQ its fair share and I can’t wait to see what else is in store.”

Information on the Rockhampton Railyard Expression of Interest will be released to the public in the coming weeks.

To register to receive updates, please call 1800 271 176 or email QTMP@tmr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447