Maryborough to lead Qld’s manufacturing future with new $7.1M training hub

Maryborough is set to become a hub for Queensland’s manufacturing industry, with the announcement of a new $7.1 million Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.

Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher and Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders, in collaboration with Manufacturing Skills Queensland, revealed that the facility will be crucial in equipping local workers and jobseekers with the necessary skills to meet the state’s growing manufacturing demands.

“Only a Miles Labor Government is delivering the train manufacturing program in Queensland – and we’re making sure we have the skilled workers to support this crucial project and future opportunities in manufacturing,” said Minister Butcher.

“Thanks to Labor, trains will be made by Queenslanders for Queenslanders. The LNP sent train manufacturing offshore and imported trains that were not compliant with disability standards.”

The new centre will focus on bridging training gaps, with a particular emphasis on upskilling workers to support Queensland’s substantial investment in train manufacturing.

The $9.5 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program aims to produce 65 six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built facility in Torbanlea, creating 1,300 jobs over the project’s lifespan.

“Not only are we delivering jobs for Queenslanders in manufacturing but these trains will be the most accessible in the country. The LNP call this program a “road to nowhere” and we know that means they’d cut train manufacturing if given half the chance,” Butcher added.

The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is set to offer world-class facilities for advanced machining, CNC, robotics, and augmented welding, alongside integrating extended reality technologies.

Downer has partnered with Manufacturing Skills Queensland as a foundation member to deliver advanced manufacturing training.

“Downer is excited to be part of such a transformational initiative for Queenslanders,” said Kerry Armstrong, commercial director of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

“Students at the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will have the opportunity to learn advanced manufacturing techniques, that can be employed during the operation of our train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea once it is completed.”

Meanwhile, member for Maryborough and Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing, Bruce Saunders, emphasised the long-term benefits for the region.

“We’re not just manufacturing trains here in Maryborough, we’re creating a lasting legacy for our region’s industry that will deliver good local jobs for generations to come

The facility is expected to play a significant role in training the next generation of workers to support both the train manufacturing program and other industries across the Fraser Coast region.

The collaboration with Downer aims to ensure that the local workforce is adequately prepared to meet the demands of the expanding manufacturing sector.

Rebecca Andrews, CEO of Manufacturing Skills Queensland, also highlighted the broader economic impact.

“The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program builds on the significant manufacturing investment in the region, and will require a vibrant training sector to deliver a range of vocational courses and a large pool of skilled available labour.”