Mayor of Ballarat Councillor Craig Fletcher has welcomed news that Ballarat-based Alstom Australia will manufacture a further seven trains for Victoria’s public transport network.

Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today that seven new X’Trapolis trains, comprised of six cars each, had been ordered to service Melbourne rail lines.

Cr Fletcher said the announcement was a significant boost for the Ballarat economy, especially its manufacturing sector.

“This is terrific news for Ballarat, especially for the 65 people employed full time at Alstom’s Regional Centre for Rolling Stock , and 70 more along the local supply chain.’’ Cr Fletcher said.

“Our city is the grateful beneficiary of the continued growth in commuter numbers on Victoria’s transport network.”

He said the announcement continued the centre’s excellent track record of train production over the past decade.

“More than 50 trains put together here in Ballarat have been delivered to Victoria’s rail network since 2002,”

The seven new trains will be delivered for use on Melbourne’s rail network by 2014.