T
rain manufacturing is returning to the Hunter region, with the NSW Government backing a major program to extend the life of Sydney’s Tangara fleet while creating jobs and apprenticeships in Newcastle.
Two new production lines will be established at the Cardiff rail facility, adding to existing lines at Auburn and Flemington, as part of the $447 million Tangara Life Extension program. The expansion is expected to lift output and speed up upgrades, with the number of refurbished trains increasing from 12 to 20 each year.
The program will extend the life of 55 eight-carriage trains by more than a decade. Upgrades include new internal cladding, improved computer systems, enhanced accessibility features, updated passenger information displays, modernised public address systems and CCTV, along with more accessible emergency help points and door release systems.
Around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships will be created in the Hunter as part of the Cardiff expansion. In total, 320 people will be employed across the program, with 200 already working at sites in Auburn and Flemington.
The return of production work to Newcastle marks a shift in approach following the end of passenger train manufacturing in the region in 2013. The government has positioned the program as part of a broader effort to rebuild local manufacturing capability and support skilled jobs within New South Wales.
Work is already underway, with four Tangara trains currently being upgraded. The first train has entered dynamic testing and is expected to return to service after completing trials.
Minister for Transport John Graham said the program reflects a return to local manufacturing, noting the region’s long history with train building and the role it once played in supporting jobs and industry.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the work brings both employment opportunities and training pathways, adding that it reinforces the region’s connection to train manufacturing.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the investment signals a renewed focus on building local capability, while Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos pointed to the broader supply chain benefits that come with manufacturing work being carried out in Australia.
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the additional production lines would create jobs and help shorten the overall timeframe of the project, with local communities expected to benefit from the activity generated by the works.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said the Tangara Life Extension Program represents a comprehensive refurbishment effort, with upgrades designed to improve safety, accessibility and the overall passenger experience, while aligning the trains with current standards.
The program is also expected to support future fleet planning in New South Wales, with new Tangara trains scheduled for procurement by 2027 and a target of at least 50 per cent local manufacturing as part of the Future Fleet Program.
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