Torbanlea workforce recruitment

Downer has opened applications for approximately 200 frontline and 100 professional positions at Torbanlea. Wall cladding is nearing completion, and specialist equipment installation has begun. https://www.downergroup.com/full-steam-ahead-for-queensland-train-manufac

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program recruitment covers production trades and professional functions, including:

  • Electrical, fabrication, mechanical and painting trades;
  • Semi-skilled assembly;
  • Administration, scheduling, quality, testing and operations management.
Planned recruitment milestones
Planned recruitment milestones

Interviews and phased starts

Downer plans interviews from October 2025 and progressive role commencements from early 2026, alongside the start of train manufacturing.

QTMP People and Culture Director David Fowler expressed Downer's commitment to local talent and its longstanding connection with the Fraser Coast. Recruitment also includes technical specialist roles and planning and production support functions, with available positions listed through Downer's careers page.

Rail component inspection
Rail component inspection

Manufacturing and maintenance contract

The Queensland Government awarded Downer the QTMP contract in June 2023. Downer's responsibilities encompass designing, manufacturing and commissioning 65 six-car passenger trains, as well as designing and building two training simulators. The new fleet is intended to support South East Queensland, the Cross River Rail project and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The contract includes a purpose-built train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, in the Maryborough region. Downer will design, construct and commission this facility, together with a separate maintenance and stabling facility at Ormeau in the Brisbane–Gold Coast corridor.

Fraser Coast landscape
Fraser Coast landscape

Fleet support and delivery experience

Downer will maintain the new rollingstock fleet, both training simulators and the Ormeau rail facility. The maintenance commitment has an initial term of 15 years and a maximum term of 35 years.

Downer's earlier passenger-train deliveries include 119 Waratah trains for the New South Wales Government across Series 1 and Series 2. At the June 2023 contract award, the company was more than halfway through delivering 70 High Capacity Metro Trains for the Victorian Government.

Downer company identity
Downer company identity