Two new production lines of the Tangara trains will be established in Cardiff, almost four decades since they were last built in Newcastle.
It’s understood the NSW Government’s latest investment is expected to create about 100 jobs and 20 apprenticeships, rebuilding the manufacturing workforce within the region.
The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program will extend the existence of 55 eight-carriage trains by more than 10 years by replacing internal cladding, the computer operating system, installing further accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrades to the passenger address system and CCTV.
“I lived in Newcastle when it was a proud train building city,” Minister for Transport John Graham said.
“We’re now bringing those manufacturing roles back to the Hunter, the home of the original Tangara fleet.
“The former government sent Hunter jobs offshore because of their obsession with buying trains overseas.
“Anywhere but NSW… that was their policy on transport manufacturing jobs.
“This investment accelerates the life extension of our Tangara fleet while creating real jobs and skills development in the region.”
The two new production lines, in addition to the existing three at Auburn and Flemington, will increase the pace of train upgrades from 12 per year to 20.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley welcomed the announcement.
“The people of Newcastle built these trains more than 35 years ago,” she said.
“It’s only right the Hunter is once again at the heart of this work.
“But, this is about more than upgrading trains.
“It’s about creating secure jobs, training apprentices and giving local families confidence that opportunity exists right here in our region.”
The 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter brings the total number on the Tangara Life Extension program to 320.
At least 200 people including trainees are already working on the initiative at Auburn and Flemington.
“It’s fantastic to see the work returning to the Hunter,” Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said.
“This is what rebuilding public transport capability in NSW looks like.
“After years of offshoring and neglect, we’re renewing the workforce and capability NSW needs for the future.”
The investment in skills will help develop the workforce that will build the new Tangara fleet in NSW, which begins procurement by 2027 and meets the 50% local manufacturing target as part of the Future Fleet Program.
It also forms part of the government’s focus on improving rail reliability in response to the Independent Rail Review.
“The Tangaras are some of the oldest rolling stocks and refurbished carriages will help to reduce maintenance faults,” Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said.
“To date, four trains are undergoing upgrades with the first now in the network undergoing dynamic testing activities before it re-enters service.
“So, the Tangara Life Extension Program is the most comprehensive refurbishment of its kind ever undertaken by Sydney Trains.
“Our teams in Sydney and, soon, the Hunter are carrying out critical system upgrades, modernising on‑board technologies and improving safety and accessibility features to bring these trains in line with contemporary standards.”
For more news stories:
- Investigation underway following fatal crash near Maitland
- Ballot order locked in for Newcastle Lord Mayor by-election
- Skills Hub to accelerate transition to new energy economy
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
