The first of 50 new buses being assembled in Ballarat thanks to the Andrews Labor Government rolled out of the OzPress Industries factory today ready for service on Melbourne’s public transport network.

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne today visited automotive manufacturer OzPress Industries, to see the first vehicle emerge from the Ballarat factory ahead of going into service in Melbourne.

OzPress Industries has partnered with South East Asia’s largest bus body builder Gemilang to deliver the order for 50 new buses for Victorian passengers, creating up to 20 new jobs in Ballarat including body builders, panel beaters, aftersales staff, auto electricians and painters.

The Ballarat-built buses are part of a $16 million order by the Labor Government for 100 new buses that will progressively start running across Melbourne’s public transport network over the next two years.

The remaining 50 buses are being built at Volgren’s Dandenong factory, providing further Victorian employment opportunities connected to the upgrade of Melbourne’s bus fleet.

All 100 buses will be built in line with the Government’s Local Jobs First policy, ensuring each vehicle is made with 60 per cent local content.

The Government is also creating another seven Ballarat-based jobs with the introduction of a new deep-cleaning program for V/Line’s VLocity trains.

The previous cleaning regime required Ballarat trains to be removed from service for detailed cleaning, putting additional pressure on the V/Line fleet.

Crews are now undertaking a deep clean of VLocity carriages each evening between services without the need to move them into a workshop. This ensures the trains are ready for service the next day, with freshly-cleaned upholstery, graffiti removed, and surfaces restored.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

“We’re delivering the biggest order of new trains, trams and buses this state has ever seen – creating new jobs right here in Ballarat and across Victoria.”

“Seeing the first of these brand new, locally built buses roll out of the factory is an important milestone as we get on with modernising, expanding and upgrading our bus fleet for the thousands of passengers who use it every day.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This bus order is re-energising our local automotive industry – creating jobs and opportunities as we build a brand-new bus fleet for Victoria.”

 “The introduction of a new deep cleaning service for Ballarat trains will also take pressure off the VLine fleet, create local jobs and ensure trains are ready to go each morning.”