The NSW Government says manufacturing is set to receive a boost on the South Coast, with construction beginning on a new bus facility in Nowra expected to create more than 100 jobs.
The government announced that the first sod has been turned on a 6,000sqm bus manufacturing site for Foton Mobility Distribution, which is projected to expand its workforce to 127 employees from its current 19 staff at a temporary facility.
According to the NSW Government, recruitment for a further 27 roles is due to begin in June, including positions such as assembly workers, electricians, engineers and administrative staff. These workers are expected to commence when the first phase of the facility is completed in the third quarter of the year.
The government said the project is also expected to benefit local suppliers, noting that six businesses are already involved in supporting Foton’s operations.
The company is currently delivering 128 buses as part of a zero-emissions program, with 25 vehicles already in service in Western Sydney and additional buses set to operate from the Northern Beaches.
Construction will proceed in three stages, with the initial phase delivering a manufacturing shed this year, followed by a pre-delivery facility and office space expected by 2027.
Minister for Transport John Graham said the project would generate economic opportunities in the region.
“This facility will provide much needed economic opportunities for locals in Nowra,” he said, adding it marked a shift after “so many transport manufacturing jobs [went] offshore under the former government.”
Graham also criticised the opposition’s stance on the project, stating, “The Liberals have been criticising this facility at every opportunity. That is an attack on local jobs, and reminds voters that Liberals love sending manufacturing jobs overseas.”
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park described the development as “a win for the region and a win for workers,” saying it would help restore domestic manufacturing capacity while building future skills and resilience.
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said the investment reflected broader industry trends. “This new facility is a strong example of private investment responding to global shifts toward electrification and choosing to back NSW with new capability and skilled jobs,” she said.
Local MP Liza Butler said the project would create “real opportunities for local people to build long-term careers close to home,” while Katelin McInerney said the facility would deliver “more jobs, more skills and more work for local contractors.”
The NSW Government also contrasted the project with the previous Coalition administration, stating that earlier procurement decisions had seen manufacturing shift overseas, contributing to job losses and issues with transport assets.
