Engineering, Fabrication, Manufacturing News, Manufacturing Topics, Queensland

Queensland Government puts local bus manufacturing in motion

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a plan to build 200 buses in Queensland, backing local jobs, skills and training.

An initial $134 million investment will drive the plan, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads currently undertaking an independent procurement process.

It is expected the plan will restore Queensland’s bus manufacturing sector, which has been subject to significant pressures due to low order volumes.

Through the $134 million investment, the Queensland Government is expected to support hundreds of local jobs.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk spoke about the announcement.

“This is an investment in Queenslanders and the future of our skilled manufacturing sector,” she said.

“We know that when we build here in Queensland, we are supporting local workers, local suppliers and the next generation of skilled bus builders.

“We make no apologies for backing Queensland workers – whether it’s trains or buses, they are built better when they’re built by Queenslanders.

“I look forward to the procurement process coming to an end and the appointment of a bus builder soon after,” Palaszczuk said.

The buses will be fully accessible to ensure all Queenslanders have access to public transport, including people in a wheelchair, and people travelling with luggage or prams.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher added to the premier’s comments.

“This is another example of how the Palaszczuk Government is bolstering our manufacturing sector– delivering good jobs and the services we need to support a growing Queensland,” he said.

“200 buses will be built in Queensland by Queenslanders, which is absolutely fantastic.

“By putting jobs and opportunities in Queenslanders’ hands, the Palaszczuk Government is investing in the local workforce for generations to come.

“This Government supports Queensland manufacturers every day of the week,” Butcher concluded.

Once built, the buses will be owned by the state and operated by Transport and Main Roads.

The buses will also support transporting rail passengers during periods of disruption or planned track maintenance.

Send this to a friend