Train bogie frames will be built in Bendigo for the first time in Victoria in nearly two decades, creating local jobs and boosting the economy, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s High Capacity Metro Train project. Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards at Hofmann Engineering in Bendigo, as the facility undergoes final preparations ahead of full manufacturing of the trains commencing in early August.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews explained that the building of hundreds of bogie frames will result in 30 jobs in Bendigo – including 6 apprentices, trainees or cadets. In addition to creating new jobs, the skills of staff will be further enhanced as they learn modern manufacturing techniques from the largest rolling stock manufacturer in the world, CRRC.
“Bogie frames haven’t been built here for almost 20 years – we’re building world class trains and trams, and supporting local jobs throughout Victoria.” Premier Andrews commented “These bigger, better, trains will move more people and create more than 1,100 jobs for Victorians throughout the supply chain.”
Minister for Public Transport and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said that the contract will run until the last train is delivered in 2023, also delivering 87 per cent Victorian local content. Hofmann Engineering’s Bendigo facility currently supports the Loddon Mallee’s rail and defence capabilities. Manufacturing on the High Capacity Metro Train started at Newport in Melbourne’s west last week, with the project overall resulting in 1,100 local jobs, including throughout the supply chain. Built with 60 per cent local content, the trains are made with more local content than any other project of this kind in Australia – with traction and electrical systems made in Morwell and key electrical components and pantographs in Hallam in Melbourne’s south-east.
“Whether it’s building bogies for bigger trains or upgrading the Bendigo and Echuca lines, we’re working hard to get Victorians home safer and sooner, and creating advanced manufacturing local jobs.” Minister Allan commented.
The Minister went on to point out that the first High Capacity Metro Train will be ready for testing by the end of the year. The Labor Government has also secured the infrastructure funding Victoria is owed by the Federal Government and will deliver a $91 million upgrade to the Bendigo and Echuca lines. The works will include upgrading the track between Bendigo and Echuca to enable trains on the Echuca line to run faster and more often, cutting travel times for passengers from Victoria’s north and more services to Eaglehawk and Epsom.
“This is great news for Hoffman – by backing local jobs, we’re ensuring Bendigo can continue to grow and thrive for future generations.” Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards commented.