Minns backs Hunter with $12b to replace ageing Tangara fleet

The New South Wales (NSW) government has unveiled a major initiative to modernize its aging public transport network by investing $12 billion over 15 years to construct the next generation of Tangara trains at a new manufacturing facility in the Hunter region. This ambitious plan aims to replace the current fleet of 55 Tangara trains, which have been in service since 1987 and make up a quarter of Sydney Trains' operational stock. The announcement, made by Premier Chris Minns ahead of the upcoming state election, underscores the government's commitment to local manufacturing and economic growth, particularly in the Hunter region, which has seen a resurgence of political activity from the One Nation party.

The decision to establish a new manufacturing facility in the Hunter follows a careful evaluation of two potential locations: a former coal mine in Teralba owned by Glencore, and the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot, where the original Tangara fleet was originally constructed. The selection between these two options will depend on due diligence assessments, which are expected to consider factors such as environmental impact, logistical feasibility, and community engagement. The chosen site will serve as the cornerstone of a long-term strategy to sustain train manufacturing in the region for over three decades.

The $12 billion investment will cover a wide range of activities, including the construction of the manufacturing facility itself, the production of the new Tangara fleet, associated maintenance services, facility upgrades, and necessary infrastructure developments. A key component of this plan is the creation of employment opportunities—both during the construction phase and in the long term. It is projected that the project will generate 780 jobs during the initial stages and maintain 550 ongoing positions within the facility and its supply chain.

Premier Chris Minns is set to formally announce the initiative at the Labor Party's state conference, using the opportunity to highlight the contrast between the current government's approach and that of the previous Coalition administration. In his speech, Minns is anticipated to reference past statements by former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who had expressed skepticism about Australia's ability to produce high-quality trains domestically. He will likely emphasize the importance of leveraging domestic expertise and resources to achieve greater economic independence and innovation.

This move builds upon earlier commitments made by the Minns government, including a pledge in 2022 to replace the Tangara fleet with locally manufactured trains and create at least 1000 long-term jobs. Two years prior, the government had allocated $450 million to extend the operational lifespan of the existing Tangara fleet until 2036. With the new fleet expected to begin operations in the coming years, the replacement schedule will see the Millennium and OSCAR fleets phased out in the 2040s, and the Waratah fleet in the 2050s.

Additionally, the state government recently announced that the new Spanish-built regional fleet of long-distance passenger trains, originally ordered by the previous Coalition government, will now come into service in 2028 instead of the initially planned early 2023. This delay reflects broader challenges in the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects and highlights the need for continued investment in both local manufacturing capabilities and international partnerships. As the state prepares for the upcoming election, the announcement serves as a strategic effort to bolster support among voters in traditionally safe Labor regions, especially in the Hunter, where One Nation has gained traction.