QLD Government - Queensland Freight Delivery Plan - New roadmap to drive freight, jobs and growth across Queensland

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) welcome the release today of the the Queensland Government's Queensland Freight Delivery Plan 2026 (QFDP), a five-year roadmap setting out 70 actions aimed at improving freight productivity, reliability and safety across Queensland's supply chains.

The plan was developed following consultation with more than 500 stakeholders from industry, government and local government, and projects Queensland's freight task to grow by 20% by 2032.

Of particular interest to FTA/APSA members are:

• A new Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme 
• Discounted diesel fuel access charges on the Mount Isa Line
• Reforms to heavy vehicle access arrangements
• Improved first and last-mile freight connections
• Critical investments in road, rail and marine freight infrastructure. 
• The establishment of a Queensland State of Freight Snapshot to provide greater transparency on freight network performance and progress against the plan.

New Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme

A headline initiative is the introduction of a new Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme, to be trialled over three years. The scheme will provide eligible freight customers with a rebate of up to 50% of rail access charges for additional containerised freight moved by rail. To qualify, customers must move an additional 250 TEU or more per annum by rail. 

The plan also includes:

• A continued 10% subsidy on Mount Isa Line access charges for four years. 
• Reduced access charges for rock phosphate freight. 
• A new discounted diesel fuel access charge to encourage greater fuel movements by rail. 
• Development of new open-access intermodal infrastructure, including facilities along the Mount Isa Line and at the Port of Townsville.

Industry engagement

FTA/APSA welcome the release of the QFDP and the Queensland Government's recognition of the critical role freight plays in economic growth, trade competitiveness and supply chain resilience.

We are proud to continue representing members through the Queensland Ministerial Freight Council (QMFC), providing a direct avenue for the views and experiences of cargo owners, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers and logistics providers to help inform Queensland freight policy and planning. The QMFC serves as the Queensland Government's primary freight advisory body, bringing together industry leaders and government representatives to address current and emerging freight challenges.

Further information

Queensland Freight Delivery Plan 2026
Queensland Freight Delivery Plan Website
Queensland Government media release 
Queensland Ministerial Freight Council

FTA/APSA will continue to engage with Queensland Government agencies and industry stakeholders on implementation of the QFDP and advocate for practical reforms that improve supply chain efficiency, resilience and competitiveness.

Tom Jensen -  General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA