NSW government pledges $12bn to build new train fleet in Hunter Region
The NSW government will invest a massive $12 billion over the next 15 years to build the state’s next-generation trains as part of a plan to boost production in the Hunter Region.
Premier Chris Minns has announced a major new project aimed at replacing Sydney’s aging Tangara trains as part of his pre-election bid.
Under the proposal, either a former Glencore-owned coal mine at Teralba or Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot (both in the Hunter Region) will be selected.
Mr Minns said the government would prefer to invest in the industry locally rather than buying trains from an overseas manufacturer.
“When the government spends billions of dollars on new trains, I want as much of that investment as possible to stay here in NSW, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening regional communities,” he said.
Saturday’s announcement is expected to add up to 780 jobs in construction and up to 550 ongoing jobs in the facility and supply chains.
“Hunter knows how to build trains. Our job is to make sure he has the opportunity to rebuild trains,” Mr. Minns said.
“But we are not announcing a one-off train order. We are building a long-term pipeline that gives industry the confidence to start investing in NSW, employ apprentices in NSW and grow local supply chains.”
The Minns government’s announcement comes in the lead-up to state elections on March 13 next year.
The government has previously committed to starting the renewal of the aging Tangara fleet in early 2027, with a target of at least 50 percent coming from local manufacturers.
The government did not say how it would pay 15 billion dollars in 12 years and did not announce the new trains in its budget transferred about two weeks ago.
Finance Minister Daniel Mookhey has set aside a $1 billion war chest to pour cash into projects not disclosed in the budget; Instead, it allocated funds to commitments that will be at the center of the Minns government’s re-election campaign and projects currently under negotiation.
Next steps include completing site selection and a formal Expression of Interest for contracts to build the facility and produce train fleets.
