Hunter region set to gain $12b train manufacturing hub

The New South Wales government is poised to announce a significant investment in manufacturing, earmarking $12 billion to establish a new train factory in the Hunter region. Premier Chris Minns is expected to reveal the plan at the NSW Labor state conference, identifying Teralba and Broadmeadow, both near Newcastle, as the potential locations for the facility.

This initiative is part of the government's broader pledge to revitalize the state's manufacturing sector. The $12 billion investment will be spread over 15 years. Minns is anticipated to highlight the historical significance of Australian-made trains, referencing models like the Tangaras and red rattlers, which were last produced locally at Broadmeadow in 2012 before manufacturing was outsourced.

The government has previously committed to beginning the procurement process for replacing the aging Tangara fleet by early 2027, with a target of 50 percent local content. While the funding is pledged over 15 years, it remains unclear how it will be allocated, as no specific funds have been set aside in the current year's budget.

The project is projected to create substantial employment opportunities. The government estimates that the manufacturing phase will generate 780 jobs, with an additional 550 ongoing roles expected once the factory is operational. This move signals a strong push to bring train manufacturing back to New South Wales after more than a decade.

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For generations, highly skilled Australian workers made our Tangaras, our red rattlers, our V Set, our S Set. All until 2012, when the last train rolled off the line at Broadmeadow, after being outsourced to China, Spain and South Korea.