The rejuvenation of the Rockhampton Railyards is picking up steam with funding in the Queensland Government’s 2024-25 Budget of $23.7 million over the next four years to provide a massive boost towards the project.
The funds will be invested into high priority remediation works and capital upgrades to continue transformation of the old railyards into a commercial hub with community and recreational spaces.
The rejuvenation of the historic Rockhampton Railyards will create more local jobs for Central Queensland, supporting Queensland’s rollingstock supply chain capabilities and commercial growth in the manufacturing and maintenance industries.
Planning for the rejuvenation of the site’s two precincts, the Heritage Precinct and Industrial Precinct, has commenced.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher said the state is now one step closer towards opening the doors of the Roundhouse up to community for the first time in the site’s 100-year history.
“The Government is proud to deliver Rockhampton Railyards and QTMP, programs that are bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland,” he said.
“This is in stark contrast to the LNP, who sent train manufacturing and job opportunities overseas and cut industry support programs, which resulted in thousands of job losses.”
Transformation of the historic Roundhouse – the only full circle roundhouse constructed in Queensland and one of only two still intact in the Southern Hemisphere – into a commercial hub with community and recreational spaces will breathe new life into the Heritage precinct. This funding will assure the finalisation of the Heritage Precinct planning.
Draft plans for the Heritage Precinct include a Heritage Centre with space for rail heritage exhibits, displays and artefacts, a family-centric play area, and multi-use hospitality and events spaces.
Feedback from stakeholder and local community consultation undertaken in February 2024 is being incorporated into the final Master Plan anticipated to be released late 2024.
The Industrial Precinct, which is designated for commercial purposes, will offer significant opportunities for a variety of industries, including rail, manufacturing, heavy industry and rollingstock maintenance.
The Railyards will support Queensland’s manufacturing and maintenance industries, bringing skilled jobs to the region.
Three tenants – CQ Fibreglass Direct, Queensland Rail, and Occupational Skills Centre Australia – have been confirmed, with further tenancies to be secured through a staged activation approach.
This investment builds on Labor’s strong commitment to local train manufacturing opportunities including the $9.5 billion investment in the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program which will support 1,300 jobs throughout the life of the project.
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