Electric buses will be manufactured on the NSW South Coast at a new facility announced by Australian-owned bus maker Foton Mobility Distribution on Thursday.
It follows a state government contract for 126 new vehicles to service routes across Sydney. But the 6,000 square metre manufacturing facility in South Nowra is also slated to deliver electric trucks and hydrogen fuel cell engines.
The cornerstone government contract comes through the NSW Zero Emission Buses (ZEB) program that is targeting around 10 times as many new electric buses by the end of next year.
The Minns government is also positioning the deal as a result of its domestic manufacturing push and a sign that procurement will be a key lever in rebuilding domestic manufacturing.
“The offshoring of public transport by the former government was a complete disaster, which is why we’re building these buses here in NSW – creating local jobs and public transport that works,” Premier Chris Minns said.
The ZEB program is being delivered in stages and is also targeting new and upgraded bus depots to accommodate and charge the electric buses.
Foton Mobility Distribution’s new facility in Nowra remains subject to council approval but construction could begin as early as late-2025.
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said it will demonstrate the advanced manufacturing that is possible in NSW.
“By leveraging the power of government contracts like this, we can rebuild local industries, support local workers and grow the NSW economy, particularly in regional communities,” she said.
“This is an important milestone as we deliver on our pledge to bring domestic manufacturing back to NSW.”
Ms Houssos is leading the government’s procurement reforms, which will also include new weightings for local content, a commissioner to monitor compliance and a crackdown on dodgy suppliers.
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