Downer wins $4.6b Queensland train contract

Derek Rose |

Qld premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment would support 800 new jobs.
Qld premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment would support 800 new jobs.

Downer Group EDI has signed a $4.6 billion contract to supply 65 six-car passenger trains to the Queensland government as Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympic Games.

The company and the Queensland government both announced the signing on Friday, following Downer’s selection as the preferred bidder in February.

The contract is Queensland’s largest-ever investment in new rolling stock, or railway vehicles.

Downer is also building two training simulators; constructing a train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, in the Fraser Coast region; building a train maintenance facility in Ormeau on the Gold Coasts; and maintaining the fleet and buildings for at least the next 35 years.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk emphasised the investment would support 800 construction and manufacturing jobs in the Maryborough region

“Queensland trains should be made in Queensland,” she said.

The trains are all set to be in service by 2032.

Downer created Australia’s first-ever green syndicated bank guarantee facility to support the delivery of the contract, with the help of CBA, ING, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank and Westpac.

AAP