Around 550 manufacturing jobs will be retained in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region after a major rail contract was awarded to Downer EDI Rail last week.

The $189 million contract will see the expansion and upgrade of Queensland Rail’s fleet of high-speed passenger trains servicing the Brisbane and Cairns lines.
 
“This is an important announcement. It’ll keep manufacturing jobs in Maryborough,” said AMWU Qld Secretary Andrew Dettmer.

In welcoming the news, the AMWU is also calling on Downer EDI to commit to keeping the lion’s share of its manufacturing process in Australia.  

“We want Downer EDI to maintain and develop their manufacturing processes in Queensland. Currently pretty much all of the train, with the exception of the traction motors, is produced here. We want to see that situation continue, with most of the train built and constructed here, not sent off shore,” said Mr Dettmer.

Under the contract announced by the Queensland State Government last week, Downer EDI will manufacture two power cars and twelve carriages by early 2013, and upgrade the existing Tilt trains. 

The company is also in the running for a $2 billion tender to build two hundred Next Generation suburban passenger carriages.

“This contract remains a priority for the AMWU. It will go over the 7 to 8 years from 2012 and contribute enormously to the Fraser Coast community.

“This $189 million contract is a good start, but the second contract will build the sector into the future.

“Since 1883 this area has been manufacturing Queensland’s trains and locomotives. We want to see that continue,” said Mr Dettmer.