Media Release - Federal Budget Falls Short for Freight: QTA

The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) says the 2026–27 Federal Budget delivers some positive reforms for Queensland’s freight sector, but ultimately falls short of the scale of investment needed to support the state’s rapidly growing freight task and supply chain demands.    

QTA’s newly released Federal Budget analysis highlights modest gains in fuel security, productivity reform and selective infrastructure investment, while warning that Queensland’s road freight industry continues to face growing pressure from congestion, rising operating costs, workforce shortages and inadequate freight corridor investment.

QTA CEO Gary Mahon said Queensland’s freight sector was central to the state and national economy, but continued to carry increasing responsibility without the long-term infrastructure commitment required from the Commonwealth.

Key Findings from the QTA Report

• Queensland’s interstate migration is expected to contribute to a 40 per cent increase in freight demand over the next six years.

• $812.5 million committed to Bruce Highway upgrades remains funded at a 50:50 split rather than the traditional 80:20 federal-state model.

• $10 billion in fuel security investment improves supply confidence and there are no changes to Fuel Tax Credits. The temporary fuel relief measure expire on 30 June 2026.

• Changes to rail investment priorities could increase long-term pressure on Queensland’s road infrastructure network.

• Productivity and workforce reforms may assist with addressing heavy vehicle driver and logistics workforce shortages.

Quotes from Gary Mahon, CEO QTA

“Queensland’s road freight industry keeps Australia moving, but this Budget does not yet match the scale of the freight task that is coming,” Mr Mahon said.

“Queensland is experiencing unprecedented population growth, and with that comes significantly higher freight demand, more pressure on our strategic freight corridors and greater expectations on the trucking industry to keep supply chains functioning.”

“Queensland should not be carrying an increasing share of nationally significant freight infrastructure costs.”

“The Bruce Highway is a nationally important economic corridor and the traditional 80:20 federal-state funding split should remain in place for projects of this significance.”

“If we are not investing adequately across the entire freight network, including rail and road, then more pressure ultimately falls back onto the road freight sector and the highways that operators rely on every day.”

“Freight businesses continue to face rising fuel costs, workforce shortages, congestion and infrastructure resilience challenges, particularly across regional Queensland.”

“The trucking industry remains resilient, but governments must now accelerate investment in freight productivity, safer roads and long-term supply chain resilience.”

QTA Recommendations

• Restore the traditional 80:20 federal-state infrastructure funding model.

• Increase investment in the Bruce Highway and strategic freight corridors.

• Accelerate heavy vehicle productivity reforms.

• Expand regional heavy vehicle rest area investment.

• Strengthen freight planning integration ahead of Brisbane 2032.

_ENDS

Link to Full QTA Federal Budget Report

About QTA

The Queensland Trucking Association is the peak representative body for the road freight industry, representing operators across freight, logistics and supply chain sectors.