NSW Train Factory at Teralba to Bring 550 Ongoing and 780 Building Jobs
NSW has picked Teralba in the Hunter as its preferred site for a state-owned train factory, expected to support 550 ongoing jobs and up to 780 construction jobs.
AustraliaIn brief
- The former Glencore mine site at Teralba, Lake Macquarie, is the NSW Government's preferred site for a new state-owned train factory.
- The $12 billion Future Fleet Program is expected to support up to 780 construction jobs and around 550 ongoing jobs across the factory and its supply chain.
- The plant is meant to provide more than 30 years of train building, starting with the Tangara replacement fleet.
- Tangara upgrade work already employs 100 new qualified workers and 20 apprentices.
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Organization | NSW Government – Transport for NSW |
| Official source | NSW Government – Teralba identified as preferred Hunter site to build NSW's next train fleet ✓ nsw.gov.au |
The Hunter region is set to become home to New South Wales' next generation of trains. The NSW Government has named a former Glencore mine site at Teralba, in Lake Macquarie, as its preferred location for a new state-owned train factory, it announced on 20 October 2026.
The $12 billion Future Fleet Program is expected to support up to 780 construction jobs and around 550 ongoing jobs across the plant and its supply chains.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project | Future Fleet Program train manufacturing facility |
| Preferred site | Former Glencore mine land, Teralba (Lake Macquarie) |
| Back-up site | Broadmeadow (government-owned) |
| Programme value | $12 billion |
| Construction jobs | Up to 780 |
| Ongoing jobs | Around 550 (factory and supply chains) |
| First fleet | Replacement for Sydney's Tangara trains |
| Manufacturer | Not yet chosen (EOI opened September 2026) |
Decades of work
The factory is meant to keep building trains for more than 30 years. After the Tangara replacements, the plan points to replacing the Millennium and OSCAR fleets in the 2040s and the Waratah trains in the 2050s. That kind of long pipeline is rare, and it means steady careers rather than short contracts.
Teralba was chosen over Broadmeadow because it is larger and more flexible. It has space for manufacturing, assembly, commissioning, on-site testing of moving trains and future growth.
Jobs already happening
The government also pointed to work under way now. The Tangara Life Extension Program, at the Cardiff rail facility and in Sydney, has taken on 100 new qualified workers and 20 apprentices. Domestic Manufacturing Minister Courtney Houssos said each manufacturing job creates roughly three and a half more jobs in the supply chain.
Likely roles
| Stage | Example jobs |
|---|---|
| Site construction | Civil workers, plant operators, electricians, project managers |
| Train manufacturing | Welders, fitters, electricians, painters, assemblers |
| Testing and commissioning | Rail systems engineers, test technicians |
| Supply chain | Machinists, fabricators, cable and electronics makers |
| Training | Apprentices in engineering and electrical trades |
How to apply
There is no recruitment open for the factory yet. The site still needs investigations, planning approval and land purchase, and the train maker has not been selected. Watch NSW Government and Transport for NSW announcements, and the careers pages of the manufacturer once chosen.
What it means for job seekers
- Hunter trades workers should take note. Former mining and heavy industry skills transfer well to rail manufacturing.
- Apprenticeships are a strong route. Long-life factories usually run regular apprentice intakes.
- Supply chain firms will hire first. Local engineering and fabrication companies may win early work.
- Be patient. Construction dates are still to be confirmed, so this is a medium-term opportunity.
Also in Australia: the Australian Antarctic Program is hiring 200+ people.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the NSW train factory be built?
Teralba in Lake Macquarie is the preferred site, subject to further checks, planning and land purchase. Broadmeadow remains a back-up option.
How many jobs will the Future Fleet Program create?
Up to 780 construction jobs and around 550 ongoing jobs across the factory and supply chains, according to the NSW Government.
When will construction start?
Not yet confirmed. The government says build timeframes and milestones will be announced later.
Who will build the trains?
No manufacturer has been chosen. An expression of interest for train makers opened in September 2026.
Apply only through the official source.
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