Regional Rail - Mindyarra Maintenance Centre

Reviewed

As part of the Regional Rail project, the NSW Government has constructed a purpose-built maintenance centre in Dubbo to service the new Regional Rail fleet which will replace the ageing NSW regional services.

Project overview

We have recently completed building the new maintenance centre in Dubbo, which has now been handed over to UGL Contractors for operation.

The centre is named 'Mindyarra,' which means 'to fix or repair' in the Wiradjuri language. This name not only reflects the purpose of the centre but also honours Aboriginal culture through language and storytelling, which is something we’re proud of.

The new Regional Rail fleet is continuing to arrive, with four trains now in Australia.

The first train has been moved from the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo to the Auburn Heavy Maintenance Centre and has begun testing on the Sydney trains electrified network to assess some of its capabilities.

Each train will undergo an extensive testing and commissioning program to ensure they are safe and comply with all relevant standards and requirements before starting passenger service.

Throughout 2025, we will see more trains arriving in Australia, including both the six-car long regional, and three-car short regional trains.

Upon arrival, the new trains are being transported to Mindyarra Maintenance Centre for  train completion work to be carried out and a rigorous program of testing, both within the centre and out on the rail network.

Aerial shot of Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo

Mindyarra’s sustainable design and construction

Transport for NSW and Momentum Trains have worked collaboratively to ensure that the design and construction of the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre minimises environmental impacts and emissions, contributing to the NSW Government’s long-term target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and maximising social and economic benefits to communities.

Sustainability was prioritised in every aspect of the centre’s design and construction, incorporating many innovative initiatives.

These efforts resulted in the centre achieving the highest rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) for both its design and construction phases.

Check out our Mindyarra Sustainability fact sheet (PDF, 1.4 MB) to learn more about the great results that we have seen so far and our aims for the future.

Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation

The Regional Rail project provides a significant opportunity to support jobs and skills for a more diverse and inclusive workforce and supply chain through the Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation (JSIP) program. With an estimated 200 jobs created during construction, resulting in 400 workers on site and 50 ongoing roles during operation, the project continues to provide opportunities for long term employment and skills development. Some of the program’s initiatives delivered include:

  • Pre-employment Program
  • Tender writing workshops

For more information about this program visit the Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation page.

Aboriginal engagement

Over the last few years, Transport, in collaboration with Momentum Trains have been working closely with representatives from Wiradjuri and other Aboriginal nations to support local Aboriginal businesses and people to build the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo. 

This partnership has helped create jobs, strengthen community ties, and deliver long-term economic benefits.

By yarning with the local Aboriginal Working Group and engaging recognised local Aboriginal businesses and organisations, we’ve seen remarkable success stories and benefits to the local community. 

Read more about some of these success stories here (PDF, 2.69 MB).

Community update February 2025

Mindyarra Maintenance Centre

Community notifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre?

We are replacing the ageing NSW regional rail fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains. To support the new fleet, a new purpose-built maintenance centre, named Mindyarra Maintenance Centre, has been built in Dubbo.

The Mindyarra Maintenance Centre is supporting the regional economy, creating employment opportunities, and develop the skills of people in regional NSW.​​​​

What does ‘Mindyarra’ mean?

We collaborated with local Aboriginal organisations and representatives, as well as our Aboriginal Working Group, to name the new maintenance centre ‘Mindyarra’.

‘Mindyarra’ is a Wiradjuri word, meaning ‘to fix or repair’. Pronounced ‘Min-dga-rra’, It was chosen to represent the literal work that will occur at the new maintenance centre and the work that we are doing to support reconciliation.​​​​​

Budget

How much will the project cost?

The total budget for the project is $2.8 billion. This includes a capital cost of $1.26 billion for the new fleet, the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre, some minor network enabling works and project costs, as well as costs associated with maintenance services for 15 years.

Construction

When will construction start and finish?

Major construction of the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre started in 2020. The maintenance centre was completed in mid 2024, which has now been handed over to UGL Contractors for operation.

What are the hours of operation?

Train Completion Works and ongoing maintenance activities have started on site. This means the maintenance centre will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Will any changes be made to the existing rail track at the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre?

The current track between Wheelers Lane level crossing in the East to Fitzroy Street level crossing in the West, has been realigned on the Northern (White Street) side of the project site so that the new Regional Rail fleet can access the centre for service and maintenance. 

Regional Development – Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation 

How will Mindyarra benefit regional NSW?

The Mindyarra Maintenance Centre has boosted business and local job opportunities in regional NSW during its construction and continues to do so in operation. The project has created about 200 jobs during construction and 50 ongoing operational jobs, including traineeships and apprenticeships.

We also have an advisory group which provides expertise and resources to help find opportunities, coordinate workforce planning, and address regional skills shortages.

The group is made up of government partners, Momentum Trains and key suppliers.

Are there opportunities for the Dubbo Aboriginal community to be involved?

We are committed to supporting Aboriginal participation in the Regional Rail Project. Momentum Trains is required to create employment and apprenticeship opportunities for Aboriginal people and opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.

We have established an Aboriginal Working Group to provide advice and support on achieving Aboriginal participation outcomes.

The Aboriginal Working Group members represent key government organisations, and have connections to Aboriginal community groups in and around Dubbo. ​​​​​​

 Environment and Technology

How will the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre be powered?

Mindyarra will generate at least 95% of its low voltage power needs from onsite Solar PV panels and install onsite batteries to power the maintenance centre from solar at night.

Using solar energy supports Transport for NSW’s commitment to a more sustainable future, working steadily to meet the the NSW Government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

What does it mean to use carbon-neutral concrete instead of standard materials? 

Around 9,000m³ of carbon-neutral concrete will be used at Mindyarra, reducing and offsetting carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by up to 5,000 tonnes.

To achieve this reduction in carbon emissions, the supplier replaces some of the standard cement used in concrete with industrial by-products like fly ash, blast furnace slag or silica fume to reduce carbon intensity.

To reduce net carbon emissions to zero, any remaining embodied carbon is offset. The carbon-neutral concrete is certified via the Australian Government’s Climate Active program and is being produced locally from sands and materials sourced from businesses in the Dubbo area.

This is a significant step in the use of materials that reduce our environmental footprint during construction. 

Using this innovative concrete is equivalent to taking over 920 cars off the road for a year, or the total energy usage of over 700 Australian homes for all heating, cooling, cooking and lighting for a year.

Project related documents

Planning documents

More information

For more information please call 1800 684 490, or email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Businesses and suppliers interested in procurement opportunities available on the Regional Rail Project, please visit ICN to view project-related work packages or to submit an expression of interest.

Tagged as