Road, Rail and Retail freight subsidies

Affordable and reliable freight services are critical to growing the economy and backing small and family businesses in Queensland's regional and remote communities. The Queensland Government’s road, rail and retail freight subsidies are targeted at reducing freight-related cost of living pressures in communities that face disadvantage in terms of freight market competitiveness. Recognising the challenges associated with long distances, limited freight market competition and complex supply chains, the Queensland Government is committed to supporting remote and regional communities and local businesses by improving access to cost-effective freight services.

Communities include:

• Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions
• Central West Queensland region
• South West Queensland region

Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions

In Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions, freight funding assistance is delivered through the Cape Freight Subsidy (Retail Scheme).

The Retail Scheme applies a discount at the point of sale on purchases of eligible essential goods from participating retailers to ensure the benefit reaches local residents.

The Retail Scheme is administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.

All retailers in the Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions selling eligible essential goods are encouraged to investigate their eligibility to apply to participate in the Retail Scheme.

Find out more about the scheme, including how to apply.

Central West Queensland region

TMR subsidises rail freight services between Rockhampton and Winton through its Central West Freight Services Contract with Linfox Australia Pty Ltd (Linfox).

This contract helps reduce cost of living pressures in regional Queensland by providing access to rail freight services at a subsidised rate.

South West Queensland region

Following a competitive procurement process, Queensland company Truckit was awarded a contract to provide freight services in South Western Queensland from 1 July 2024. Under the contract, Truckit provides subsidised road freight services to communities along the Warrego Highway and Balonne Highway.

This initiative is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to easing cost of living pressures and supporting regional communities and businesses across the following local government areas:

• Balonne
• Bulloo
• Murweh
• Paroo
• Quilpie.