Queensland government makes changes to remote communities freight contract
The Queensland government has recently made changes to the remote community freight contract. Find out what those changes mean, and how your business can access subsidised freight.
Roma
Don't miss out on the headlines from Roma. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For businesses in South West Queensland, freight is a massive, and at times crippling expense.
In order to ensure the communities which dot the expansive region have access to the groceries and goods they need, without paying through the teeth for freight, the state government has a remote community freight contract to provide subsidised freight.
The regional freight contract was held by Linfox from 2019, but since July 1, will be held by Queensland-based freight company Truckit.
Murweh region mayor Shaun Radnedge, said communities were reliant on everyday essentials being trucked into the region.
“With families and local businesses facing cost of living pressures and other inflationary factors – more so than in urban centres – schemes such as the Remote Community Freight Contract are vital to helping ease these costs,” Mr Radnedge said.
“Through the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils we’ve had productive discussions with the Department of Transport and Main Roads about ensuring the subsidy continues to communities on the Balonne Highway and Warrego Highway supply chain corridors.
“The region looks forward to working with Truckit as the newly appointed contractor and we’ll certainly be keeping a watching brief on the new arrangements to ensure none of our communities are disadvantaged”.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the contract would “reduce freight-related cost-of-living pressures in South West Queensland”.
“The Transport Services Contract will support key communities by providing subsidised road freight services to destinations along the Warrego Highway and Balonne Highway in the South West Queensland region,” the spokesperson said.
“This initiative is part of the Queensland government’s commitment to relieve cost-of-living pressures for hardworking communities and businesses, including those in the Balonne, Bulloo, Murweh, Paroo and Quilpie local government areas.
“Over the next three years, this Queensland-based company will be supporting the needs of local residents and businesses in regional and remote communities by delivering subsidised transportation services for the delivery of essential goods under the Transport Services Contract.
“The destinations for receiving subsidised services along these supply chains were chosen following consultation with key stakeholders about how freight funding assistance would deliver tangible benefits to communities in greatest need.
“The Queensland Government will monitor the rollout of this service in the short term to determine its impact and whether other destinations across the South West would benefit from road-based freight assistance.
“Freight customers in the South West Queensland region are encouraged to contact Truckit to discuss subsidised road freight services.”
Queensland’s gifted students thwarted by lack of options
Queensland’s most gifted students are being held back by a lack of selective schools, particularly for regional students, education experts say.
83mm in 60 mins: Morning storms after inland Qld hammered
Severe thunderstorms have hit parts of inland Queensland overnight, with one area recording more than 80mm in an hour, as more flared up this morning.