The NSW Government is accelerating a major jobs boost on the Central Coast as work ramps up at the Kangy Angy rail facility to prepare the new Mariyung fleet for service.
The state-of-the-art facility will provide essential maintenance for the new trains, which are expected to be operational by the second half of 2024 after an agreement was struck in August between the NSW Government and the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) to get the trains on the tracks in the shortest possible time.
The modern 10-carriage Mariyung trains will increase the capacity of intercity services on the Newcastle and Central Coast, Blue Mountains and South Coast lines, greatly improving comfort, convenience and connectedness for regional passengers.
The $300M rail maintenance hub is expected to provide about 120 permanent local jobs on the Central Coast once the Mariyung fleet is fully operational.
Specialist roles performed at Kangy Angy include engineering, rollingstock maintenance, supervision, procurement, health and safety, project management and planning.
This is a significant increase in the region’s rail maintenance capabilities, with opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships.
The maintenance centre will revitalise other workforces and create ongoing business opportunities in the region.
Contracts have been awarded to local companies for cleaning and security of the facility and a number of local suppliers have been involved with upgrades to the site since construction began.
The Mariyung fleet will set a new standard of travel for regional commuters who make about 26 million journeys a year on the electrified intercity network.
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said the project was a “real win-win for the Central Coast “.
“Great new trains for our commuters and new local job opportunities for our community,” he said.
“Central Coast’s reputation as an innovative manufacturing centre has been significantly enhanced with this facility.
“A strong local manufacturing industry is essential for job creation on the Central Coast, and I am pleased and proud that the NSW Government is on board.”
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the state-of-the-art maintenance facility at Kangy Angy was increasing its capacity, delivering new jobs and business opportunities for people who live on the Central Coast.
“The maintenance facility is operating 24 hours a day and about 120 rail staff will be working around the clock to provide essential maintenance for the Mariyung train,” she said.
“We’ll continue to support local suppliers and deliver good secure manufacturing jobs on the Central Coast.
“Our people working at this maintenance facility play a critical role. The maintenance work they do literally keeps our trains running.
“Passengers have waited a long time for the Mariyung Fleet, but by the end of 2024 they will get new modern trains, with increased capacity and better disability access.”
Source:
NSW Government
well done for employing locals
This will be so good for NSW.