The future of more than 120 manufacturing workers hangs in the balance as Queensland Rail reevaluates its plans for a critical overhaul of its diesel tilt trains. The decision comes amid a broader reshuffling of priorities following a rejection of a key proposal from Downer, the contractor responsible for building trains for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Downer, a manufacturing titan with a significant presence in Maryborough, announced earlier this month that a reduced workload has sparked potential redundancies for staff. The company employs over 250 workers in the Queensland city, located three hours north of Brisbane, with 122 facing possible job losses.
In response, Manufacturing Minister Dale Last assured that affected workers would be prioritized for new opportunities at Downer’s recently established Torbanlea facility, where 65 trains for the Olympics are slated for production. The project is expected to generate approximately 800 jobs, with some positions anticipated to open up within the year.
“Employees engaged in the construction of the Torbanlea facility and those at the Maryborough site will be offered those jobs first and foremost,” Mr. Last stated, emphasizing the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the job cuts.
The regional company’s workload reduction is believed to be linked to Queensland Rail’s decision to reject Downer’s proposal for a major overhaul of its diesel tilt train fleet. The proposal, made under a partnership alliance, was deemed not to provide value for money by QR, a spokesperson confirmed.
This development underscores the shifting landscape of regional manufacturing and infrastructure projects, as government and industry officials navigate the complex challenges of cost, value, and employment in an evolving economic environment.
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