QTA welcomes the Australian Government’s decision not to proceed with proposed changes to disaster recovery cost-sharing arrangements, recognising the importance of protecting funding to restore roads, reconnect communities and keep essential supplies moving.
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) welcomes the Australian Government’s decision not to proceed with proposed changes to disaster recovery cost-sharing arrangements, recognising the importance of protecting funding to restore roads, reconnect communities and keep essential supplies moving in Queensland.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon said the decision was a significant relief for Australia’s most disaster-affected state and acknowledged the Queensland Government’s sustained advocacy, alongside councils and industry organisations.
“Queensland’s communities and businesses depend on reliable road freight, and that dependence becomes even more apparent when disaster strikes,” Mr Mahon said.
“When a road or bridge is damaged, the consequences extend well beyond the repair bill. Food, fuel and medicines become harder to deliver, producers lose access to markets, and transport operators face longer journeys and higher costs.
“We welcome the Commonwealth’s willingness to listen to the concerns raised and recognise the Queensland Government’s efforts to secure this outcome.”
QTA supported the Queensland Government’s advocacy through a detailed submission provided in August, setting out the practical and economic consequences of the proposed funding changes for road freight operators, regional communities and national supply chains.
The submission brought together evidence on Queensland’s disaster exposure, road network disruption, reconstruction costs and the importance of restoring freight access. It argued that a uniform 50:50 funding model would not adequately reflect Queensland’s geography, repeated disaster impacts or recovery needs.
“Our contribution was to demonstrate what these funding arrangements mean on the ground—for the businesses delivering essential supplies and the communities relying on them,” Mr Mahon said.
“Many regional and remote communities depend on a single road or a limited number of viable routes. Queensland is regularly recovering from one disaster while responding to the next.”
QTA’s submission highlighted that:
Queensland has historically accounted for up to 60 per cent of Australia’s total economic cost of disasters.
During 2023–24, 13 disaster events affected 66 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas, closing or restricting 15,740 kilometres of state roads and causing an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impacts.
In 2024–25, 17 disaster events resulted in 73 local government areas being activated for disaster assistance, with a reconstruction bill exceeding $2.2 billion.
Major freight route closures can force operators onto detours exceeding 1,000 kilometres, increasing fuel costs, driver hours and delivery times.
Mr Mahon said the national significance of Queensland’s freight network made disaster recovery a shared responsibility.
“A prolonged road closure in Queensland affects customers, businesses and supply chains across Australia. Protecting the capacity to restore these connections is an investment in national economic resilience,” he said.
“Road freight transport operators work hard to maintain deliveries through difficult conditions, but disruption can continue for months after floodwaters recede. Restoring safe, reliable access is essential to getting communities and businesses back on their feet.”
QTA will continue working constructively with governments and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority on faster recovery, stronger infrastructure and viable alternative freight routes.
“Queensland needs the capacity to recover and to build greater resilience. Both are essential to keeping communities connected and Australia’s freight moving.”
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Media enquiries:
Gary Mahon
CEO
Queensland Trucking Association Ltd
M: 0418 736 802