Queensland government to procure 630 new diesel buses

The Queensland government has announced the ‘Better Bus Build’ program, a plan to procure up to 630 new diesel-powered buses to replace aging vehicles across the state. The first of these buses are expected to enter service during the 2027-28 financial year.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg stated that the decision to move away from zero-emissions technology was a response to the previous Labor government’s policies. Mickelberg argued that the prior administration’s plan for electric buses lacked the necessary infrastructure, such as depot upgrades and charging stations, to be viable.

The procurement program is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. While the government intends to prioritize local providers to support jobs and industrial capability, officials noted that the high volume of buses requested may exceed local manufacturing capacity. The tender process will aim to secure the best value for taxpayers while maintaining service continuity.