Local manufacturing to deliver clean energy buses for Queensland

• More than 400 zero emission buses will be locally built to spark the clean energy transition, boost bus manufacturing and create new jobs
• Emissions to be cut by 80 per cent on Translink’s South East Queensland urban network
• New zero emission depots to be built and existing depots to be transitioned.

Premier Steven Miles has today launched the Miles Labor Government’s new plan to deliver hundreds of zero emission buses through direct Government procurement.

The new zero-emission buses will replace aging diesel buses in operation on the Translink network.

It’s expected more than 400 buses will be locally manufactured, with the final number to be decided through a competitive procurement process.

The commitment builds on the Government’s recent decision to support construction of 200 new buses in Queensland, which will be Euro 6 diesel buses – the cleanest buses available to be made in Queensland in mass production at this point in time.

Through this Zero Emission Bus Program investment, the Miles Government will deliver on its commitment that all new buses procured from 2025 - to run on Translink's South East Queensland urban network - will be a zero-emission vehicle.

It’s expected the move will cut CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent.

Translink already has 75 zero emission buses being trialled at eight depots across Queensland to help inform the design of zero-emission buses and depots from 2025.

Local bus manufacturing will be boosted through local content requirements, which will see the creation of direct and indirect jobs and local opportunities for small and medium business to be part of the broader supply chain.

Bus depots will also go clean, with new zero emission depots to be built and existing depots to be transitioned.

TMR will also work with the Queensland Government-owned investment corporation QIC to secure and manage further benefits from this project through a potential public private partnership, such as has occurred with Cross River Rail.

The plan will boost Queensland’s public transport capability prior to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will also lock in greater provisions for operational flexibility.

The new buses will also prioritise driver safety, with appropriate safety barriers to be installed prior to operation and in consultation with drivers.

All new buses will also be fully-accessible for people who require mobility assistance and those who are travelling with luggage or prams.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“My government is steadfast in its commitment to invest in Queensland’s industries and create more jobs.

“And, in reaching our emissions reductions targets currently before the Parliament.

“With this plan, it is expected more than 400 new buses will be delivered, good jobs in local bus manufacturing will be supported and Queensland streets will be cleaner and quieter.

“It’s my expectation that this project will deliver best value for money for Queenslanders now, and in the lead up to 2032.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick: 

“The Miles Labor Government is decarbonizing Queensland’s economy, and by electrifying our public transport system our Government will deliver life-long clean manufacturing jobs, attract new clean investment and reduce the state’s emissions.

“Queensland’s reputation as an investment destination depends on our clean energy credentials”

“The local construction of these buses ensures Queensland’s manufacturing industry remains at the cutting edge of clean energy manufacturing, giving workers confidence their good jobs are secure for decades to come.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

“We needed a model for the transition to zero-emission buses that supports the current bus manufacturing workforce, and its transition to zero-emissions technologies. 

“A partnership between QIC and TMR will mean we can maximise value-for-money while delivering the bus services Queenslanders expect over the long-term.

“The cost to deliver the buses will be announced following a procurement process, to ensure offers are truly competitive.

“Since becoming Minister I have heard first-hand from industry, unions and drivers that they need better protections on the road. That’s why these new buses will have increased safety measures, like protection barriers.

“It is yet another example of how the Miles Labor Government is delivering the services that Queenslanders want and need, while transitioning to a clean energy economy.”

Quotes attributable to Energy Minister Mick de Brenni:

“The decarbonisation of sectors like transport gives us the opportunity to bring more manufacturing back to Queensland, and that is good for jobs and our sovereign capability.

“The transport sector accounts for 15.6% of Queensland's emissions and is the third largest contributor, so enabling the shift to electric buses will help fast track reducing that contribution, importantly without costing commuters.”

Quotes attributable to Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher:

“For some time, the Miles Government has been helping our manufacturers get ready to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the transition to a net-zero economy.

“This is a big boost for Queensland’s bus manufacturing sector but there will also be benefits for local businesses in the downstream supply chain such as battery and systems manufacturing.

“We know Queensland has the capacity to manufacture world-leading products and we’re supporting that today.”

Quotes attributable to Bancroft MP Chris Whiting: 

“The Miles Government is bringing manufacturing home to Queensland.

“I'm really proud that we’ve made this announcement here in North Lakes – one of the real centres of innovation in our state.

“Building our zero emissions buses in Queensland by Queenslanders is about backing our fantastic manufacturing workforce and delivering good, secure jobs in Queensland for locals in my community.”

Quotes attributable to Michelle Farquhar, Queensland head of peak employer association Ai Group:

“The faster Queensland can adopt smart actions like electric buses, the more time and space we free up to address the hardest activities to abate in industry.

“Adding local capability makes that a win win; there can be many such gains along the way to net zero, though the biggest prizes in clean minerals and clean metals will demand a consistent commitment to global competitiveness.”

Quotes attributable to Rohan Webb, State Secretary of the Queensland and Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU):

“For years the AMWU has fought to bring manufacturing home to Queensland. From trains in Maryborough now to buses in the South-East. This move not only secures good local jobs but sets up a pipeline of work for local communities for years to come.

“This announcement signals confidence in Queensland’s vehicle manufacturing industry and the Miles Government's dedication to Queensland workers.

“These buses will be made in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders and demonstrate the community-wide benefits of building things here in Queensland.”

ENDS