According to Downer, the QTMP is a “state-shaping project”, which will support rail manufacturing in Queensland, as well as the Cross River Rail project and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Under the contract, Downer will design, manufacture and commission 65 six-car EMU passenger trains; design and build two training simulators; and carry out the maintenance of the fleet and simulators for an initial term of 15 years and a maximum term of 35 years.
The firm will also design, construct, and commission two new facilities – a purpose-built train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, in the Fraser Coast region, and a maintenance facility and stabling yards at Ormeau, in the Gold Coast region.
According to Downer Chief Executive Officer, Grant Fenn, the contract would cement Downer’s position as the largest passenger rollingstock maintainer in Australia for the next 30 years. “Downer is the leading provider of rollingstock asset management services, with more than 100 years’ experience delivering rail solutions for our customers across Australia,” he said.
“With the addition of the new Queensland fleet, Downer will manage the largest rollingstock fleets in each State on Australia’s Eastern seaboard. Downer has successfully delivered a total of 119 Waratah trains for the New South Wales Government across Series 1 and Series 2 trains and is currently more than halfway through completion of 70 new High Capacity Metro Trains for the Victorian Government.
“Downer is proud to be part of this project, which will change the way people travel around South East Queensland. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver this critical project for the people of Queensland,” Fenn concluded.