The Queensland Government has released its Queensland Freight Delivery Plan 2026, outlining 70 actions aimed at improving freight access, connectivity, resilience and efficiency across the state over the next five years.
With Queensland’s freight task forecast to grow by around 20 per cent by 2032, the plan places a strong focus on strengthening key road, rail, port and intermodal connections.
A major focus of the plan is improving the competitiveness of rail freight. A new Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme will be trialled for three years, offering customer rebates of up to 50 per cent on below-rail access charges when moving additional container volumes across selected rail networks, including the Mount Isa Line.
The Government will also maintain a 10 per cent subsidy on Mount Isa Line access charges for four years, alongside discounted diesel fuel access charges and reduced rock phosphate access charges aimed at supporting further growth in the Northwest Minerals Province.
Priority has been given to the development of new small- to medium-scale open-access intermodal freight terminals, including new loading and unloading facilities along the Mount Isa Line and at the Port of Townsville. Improved first and last-mile connections, heavy vehicle access reforms and continued investment in road, rail and marine infrastructure also form part of the plan.
For North Queensland, these investments have the potential to strengthen the freight corridor between the Northwest and Townsville, providing businesses with more efficient and competitive options for moving cargo through the region.
For NSS, continued investment in the North Queensland freight network is a positive development, supporting the broader supply chains and industries we work alongside across the region. As freight volumes continue to grow, investment in reliable connections between road, rail, storage, cargo handling and port infrastructure is extremely important for supporting industry across regional Queensland.
Read more about this on the Queensland Government website: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/QueenslandFreightStrategy