Brisbane: The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) says the Federal Government’s decision not to extend Inland Rail beyond Parkes in New South Wales highlights the urgent need for major investment in a nationally connected High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) freight network.
QTA Chief Executive Mr Gary Mahon said Australia’s growing freight task, combined with increasing cost-of-living pressures and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, meant governments could no longer delay freight infrastructure reform.
“Australia’s economy runs on freight, yet governments continue treating freight infrastructure as an afterthought while families and businesses pay the price through rising costs across the economy,” Mr Mahon said.
The QTA said more productive freight networks would reduce truck movements, improve road safety, lower emissions and ease pressure on supply chains.
“Every inefficiency in the freight network ultimately shows up in higher prices at the checkout, increased transport costs for regional communities and rising costs for Australian businesses,” Mr Mahon said.
The Association said Australia’s geographic scale required modern freight solutions, but operators continued facing outdated infrastructure constraints and inconsistent access arrangements that limited the use of safer and more efficient high productivity vehicle combinations.
“The evidence is clear — higher productivity multi-combination vehicles reduce congestion, improve supply chain efficiency and reduce interactions between heavy vehicles and the general public,” Mr Mahon said.
“More productive freight networks are not just an industry issue — they are directly tied to cost-of-living outcomes for every Australian household.”
The QTA warned that without urgent investment and reform, growing freight demand and Brisbane 2032 pressures would further strain freight corridors across the eastern states.
The Association is calling on the Federal Government to commit to:
- accelerated freight corridor upgrades;
- nationally consistent heavy vehicle access frameworks;
- faster approvals for proven safer high productivity vehicle combinations; and
- long-term freight planning aligned with projected freight growth and Brisbane 2032 demand.
“The freight industry is ready to deliver safer roads, lower transport costs and stronger productivity outcomes for the Australian economy,” Mr Mahon said.
“What is missing is the political will to modernise the freight network Australia’s future depends on.”
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