Source : Perth Now news
The NSW government will invest a massive $12bn over the next 15 years to build the next generation of the state’s trains, as part of a plan to lift manufacturing in the Hunter Region.
As part of his pre-election bid, Premier Chris Minns has announced the huge new project aimed at replacing Sydney’s ageing Tangara trains.
Under the proposal, either a former coal mine in Teralba owned by Glencore or the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot – both in the Hunter Region – will be chosen.
Mr Minns said the government would rather invest in the industry locally instead of buying the trains from an overseas manufacturer.
“When the government spends billions of dollars on new trains, I want as much of that investment as possible staying here in NSW, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening regional communities,” he said.
Saturday’s announcement is expected to employ up to 780 workers in construction and 550 ongoing jobs in the facility and supply chains.
“The Hunter knows how to build trains. Our job is to make sure it has the opportunity to build them again,” Mr Minns said.
“But we’re not announcing a one-off order of trains. We’re building a long-term pipeline of work that gives industry the confidence to start investing in NSW, employing apprentices in NSW and grow local supply chains.”
The announcement from the Minns government comes in the lead up to next year’s state election on March 13.
The government had previously committed to start procuring the replacement of the ageing Tangara fleet by early 2027, with an aim of at least 50 per cent coming from local producers.
The government did not say how it would pay for the $12bn over 15 years, and did not announce the new trains in its budget handed down just over two weeks ago.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey set aside a $1bn war chest to splash cash on projects not announced in the budget, instead allocating funds for commitments set to be the centrepiece of the Minns government’s re-election campaign, and projects currently under negotiations.
The next steps include finalising site selection and a formal Expression of Interest for the contracts to build the facility and manufacture the train fleets.
