Queensland Rail and CQ Fibreglass Direct are set to become the first new tenants for the rejuvenated Rockhampton Railyards site.

CQ Fibreglass will take up residence in one of the largest sheds in the industrial precinct at the railyards site, which was acquired by the Queensland Government in May last year.

An agreement has also been reached to welcome Queensland Rail back to the site later this year, establishing a hub for a $3.5 million research and development project on hydrogen-powered locomotives. 

It follows an expression of interest process to shortlist potential tenants, with 17 proposals received.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said this was great news for the Rocky CBD, with the revitalised railyards bringing more jobs back into the heart of the city.

“CQ Fibreglass are a great local company and it’s fantastic to see them announced as the first new tenant at the site,” he said. 

“Work will continue on remediating the site to prepare for more new tenancies to be announced throughout 2023, and in to 2024.”

CQ Fibreglass Co-director Steven Trevor said the long-term tenancy agreement at Rockhampton Railyards would give the business room to grow and advance its capabilities to supply new industries including rail, public transport and renewable energy.

“This agreement means we can significantly expand our manufacturing capacity, upskill our staff and bring new jobs to Rockhampton,”he said.

“It will open doors for us to explore different technologies and further opportunities both locally and abroad.”

Queensland Rail acting head of regional Scott Cornish said the railyards provide the platform for Queensland Rail to trial the replacement of diesel-powered locomotives with hydrogen battery-powered locomotives.

Engineering and design, mechanical fit outs, testing and commissioning would be undertaken there, he said.

“This research will deliver data on the viability of replacing diesel locomotives with hydrogen power and explore options for the development of a safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable alternative to diesel fuels in the future.”

The Rockhampton Railyards will also form part of the supply chain for the Government’s Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.