Freight in Queensland

Queensland has an abundance of globally in-demand natural resources, a thriving agricultural industry, a vibrant manufacturing base, and a major import and export industry. Each contributes significant value to the Queensland and national economies. From a transport infrastructure and access perspective, these industries represent a diverse and often competing array of supply chains within the state.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads recognises that supply chains are all-inclusive and often extend beyond the state’s borders. Therefore, a holistic view of transport and social infrastructure planning and development is crucial to the future of the state. This includes recognition of the freight and logistics task as a complete end to end process.

Planning for socially-unobtrusive and self-sustaining transport infrastructure that supports the needs of the community and state, while providing opportunities for optimal movement of freight, using the most energy and cost-efficient mode(s) of transport is essential.

Industry and government need to work closely together if the overall system is to achieve optimum performance. Government has a relatively limited influence over the supply and demand for goods, related production and consumption, and the consequent strategies for managing inventory. Its major scope for influence is in the movement of freight, and the freight-related impact on supply chains. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is focused on ensuring that Queensland is well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities with a strategy to ensure the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of freight.

In 2025, the Department of Transport and Main Roads commenced the development of a new Queensland Freight Delivery Plan that will prioritise freight system innovation and improvements across the state, in response to population growth and the opportunities for driving regional economic growth and productivity.

Engagement will be undertaken with industry, government and regional stakeholders to seek input and important feedback to inform the plan’s development. The Queensland Freight Delivery Plan will improve alignment with regional, state and national priorities, and ensure our freight system can continue to respond to emerging challenges and new opportunities.

The Queensland Freight Ministerial Council supports the preparation of the Queensland Freight Delivery Plan and is actively engaged as a key advocate for its implementation across sectors and regions.