NSW Premier visits Cardiff to mark the kick -off of Tangara Fleet Life Extension Program to the Hunter

Location

NSW, Australia

Sector

Rail

Date

10 July 2026

NSW Premier Chris Minns today visited Downer's Cardiff facility to mark the extension of the Tangara Fleet Life Extension (TFLE) Program and recognise the important role the Hunter continues to play in supporting New South Wales rail network. The visit highlighted the significant rail capability that exists in the region and the skilled workforce that has supported the state's passenger rail services for generations.

The TFLE Program will modernise key systems across Sydney’s Tangara fleet, helping extend the life of the trains while supporting local jobs, apprenticeships and rail capability in the Hunter.

During the visit, the Premier met with employees working on the program and toured the Cardiff facility, which has been a cornerstone of rail manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul activity in New South Wales for decades.

Peter Tompkins, Chief Executive Officer of Downer Group, said the project reflects the strength of the Hunter’s rail industry and its contribution to the future of transport in New South Wales.

"Cardiff has been part of the Hunter's rail story for generations and continues to play an important role in supporting safe and reliable passenger services across New South Wales,” Mr Tompkins said.

“The Tangara Fleet Life Extension Program is an investment not only in trains, but in the people, skills and capability that underpin the state's rail network. “We welcome the NSW Government's continued investment in the Hunter and its recognition of the region's importance to the future of rail in New South Wales. The Hunter has a proud rail heritage, a highly skilled workforce and a strong industrial base. Continued investment in rail capability helps create opportunities for local businesses, supports skilled jobs and ensures the region remains well positioned to contribute to future rail programs for decades to come."

The project reinforces the Hunter’s position as one of Australia’s leading rail centres and supports the continued development of local capability, skills and supply chain participation.

Downer is proud to work alongside Sydney Trains and the NSW Government to deliver outcomes that benefit passengers while supporting regional communities and industry.