NSW Commits $12 Billion to New Trains as Tangara Fleet Renewal Begins

This Week’s Key Story

The NSW Government has announced a AUD $12 billion long-term rail investment that will see the next generation of Tangara trains built in the Hunter region over the next 15 years, gradually replacing Sydney’s ageing Tangara fleet, which has been in service for nearly four decades. Two potential sites have been identified for the project: a former Glencore-owned coal mining site in Teralba, and the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot — the original birthplace of the Tangara trains. A final location will be confirmed following further assessment.

The investment will cover not only the new trains themselves, but also the construction of a dedicated manufacturing facility, ongoing maintenance operations, facility upgrades and supporting infrastructure. According to the government, the new rail manufacturing hub is expected to provide more than 30 years of train-building capability for the Hunter region, while creating around 550 ongoing jobs and a further 780 construction roles during the delivery phase. At least 50% of train manufacturing is expected to be completed in NSW, reinforcing the Minns Government’s push to revive local manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Tangara trains first entered service in 1987 and currently account for around a quarter of the Sydney Trains fleet, with 55 train sets still in operation. Just two years ago, the NSW Government committed AUD $450 million to extend the life of the Tangara fleet through to 2036. This new AUD $12 billion commitment signals the beginning of a full replacement program rather than another short-term extension.

Premier Chris Minns has used the announcement to reinforce the message that NSW is capable of building its own trains locally, rather than relying on overseas procurement as it has in the past. Once the next-generation Tangara fleet is underway, other Sydney train fleets — including the Millennium, OSCAR and Waratah trains — are also expected to move into future renewal phases.

Last Week’s Auction Results

Sydney: A total of 716 properties were taken to auction, with results reported for 439 properties. Of these, 223 were sold, resulting in a 51% clearance rate. The total auction value reached AUD 196,722,469, with a median sale price of AUD 1,406,000.

Melbourne: A total of 577 properties were taken to auction, with results reported for 383 properties. Among them, 207 were sold, achieving a 54% clearance rate. The total auction value amounted to AUD 130,475,314, with a median sale price of AUD 832,500.