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Environmental management

Environmental management

Protecting and enhancing the environment is an important part of delivering and operating the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP).

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Environmental approvals

Prior to construction commencing, investigations were undertaken to understand the environmental values of the site, including:

  • wildlife and habitat surveys, to identify significant ecological communities and threatened species including koalas and greater gliders
  • flora surveys to determine the presence of protected plants
  • cultural heritage surveys to identify and protect items of cultural significance to the local first nations peoples
  • aquatic surveys and water quality monitoring.

This information has been used to satisfy all planning and regulatory approval requirements and inform the design of the train manufacturing facility. All applicable legislative environmental requirements will be met during construction and operation.

Torbanlea train manufacturing facility approvals

Environmental approvals for the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility were progressed with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) and also the Queensland Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works. The Environmental Report and EPBC Act Compliance Report are available to view.

In January 2023, approval was granted under the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) process to change the land use for the site acquired in Torbanlea.

In September 2024, an amendment to this MID approval was granted, allowing audible construction activities to occur at the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility site on Sundays.

Environmental report available to view

From 13 to 27 March 2023, we invited the community and stakeholders to have their say on an environmental report relating to the manufacturing facility site for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act).

On 2 June 2023, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water granted approval under the Act, with conditions, for the construction of the facility to proceed.

This environmental approval allowed us to commence construction of the Torbanlea manufacturing facility in late 2023.

View the approval and conditions on the QTMP Publications Portal.

EPBC Act Compliance Report

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) compliance reports for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, approval 2022/09301. 

We are committed to making our information accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This commitment is in line with our dedication to inclusive community values and equal access to published information.

View Annual Compliance Reports for the Projects on the QTMP Publications Portal compliance report. 

Protecting trees and other flora

We understand the important role trees play in our environment and the value they have in the local community.

The design and construction methodology are being progressed so that trees and other vegetation will only be removed if necessary.

We are consulting with the Traditional Owners and the local community to identify opportunities to re-use felled timber beneficially, including for education, providing habitat on and off site, and within the final landscaping of the project.

Protecting wildlife

During vegetation clearing and construction there can be impacts to wildlife.

To manage this, trees and other vegetation are only cleared if necessary. Prior to clearing, a qualified fauna catcher assesses the site and if any wildlife is found it will be safely relocated.

During creek works, licenced specialists remove and relocate aquatic fauna away from the construction works area to prevent impacts.

A high-risk species management plan has been developed for the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility site to ensure that protected species are identified and actions are put in place to protect the species and minimise long-term impacts.

Pest and weed management

We are responsible for managing pests and weeds, which is important to protecting and restoring existing ecological values and improving biodiversity.

Pest and weed identification has been undertaken and where any vegetation re-planting is required this will be done with species native to the local area. Site assessments are regularly undertaken to identify potential fire ant habitats and nests on site.

Water quality management

We are responsible for managing water quality during construction and operation.

The project will implement erosion and sediment controls to prevent soil and other sediments entering the waterway. These include establishing sediment basins, installing silt fences, rock filter dams and diverting clean water away from active construction sites.

Sustainability

We are committed to designing and building QTMP in a sustainable way. Sustainability will be embedded into the planning, construction and operation of the facility, as part of our commitment to achieving an Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Excellent rating.

Sustainability touches all facets of the project, including protecting and enhancing environmental values. To support this, renewable energy, measures to minimise greenhouse emissions, and sustainable water management strategies will be used on site.

Learn more about our program

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
The program is designed to meet the increasing demand for rail transport in South East Queensland over the next 10 years.

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program fleet
The new, modern train fleet will provide passengers with more efficient, reliable, and accessible travel across South East Queensland.

Ormeau rail facility
A rail facility is being constructed on a 66ha site in the Gold Coast region.

Torbanlea train manufacturing facility
A new facility is being constructed in the Fraser Coast region, to manufacture the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program fleet.

QTMP supporting infrastructure projects
QTMP will deliver supporting infrastructure, including road upgrades, rail connection works, train testing infrastructure, additional train stabling and signalling upgrades.

Environmental management
Protecting and enhancing the environment is an important part of delivering and operating the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

Supply chain information
Find out more about supplying goods and services to this project.

Last updated: 26 August 2025