Queensland Trucking Association Urges Inclusion of Road Freight in Funding Subsidies Amidst Ongoing Flood Crisis
Queensland – The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) acknowledges the Australian Government’s announcement of an additional $100million in funding being allocated to assist primary producers and small businesses affected by the catastrophic floods in North Queensland.
The QTA support this however, the road freight industry is providing a critical and essential service in this natural disaster and is suffering exorbitant losses.
CEO Gary Mahon says, "We strongly urge the government to extend this support to the road freight sector which has been disproportionately impacted by these natural disasters."
The road freight industry is the backbone of Queensland's economy, ensuring that goods are delivered safely and efficiently across the state. Amidst the recent flooding, road freight transport businesses are facing huge losses of $100K/fleet per day due to trucks being stranded on flooded roads in North Queensland.
Mr Mahon said, "Fleets are continuing to face significant challenges, including trucks being stranded due to inaccessible routes, incurring additional costs related to extended travel distances, and unprecedented delays. The delays waiting for roads to open, translate to wages paid out and increased fuel and maintenance costs with no return."
With the unpredictable nature of road access during floods, freight operators often have to reroute deliveries, resulting in longer distances, increased fuel consumption, and associated costs that are not currently supported with any existing funding measures.
"Business in the road freight sector deliver time and time again in natural disasters and expected to just absorb the losses and experience significant financial stress. Supporting the industry with funding subsidies would contribute in some way for their commitment to ensure that communities are supplied with food and products to survive.”
Providing financial support to the road freight transport businesses will not only ease financial stress but will also facilitate the restoration of supply chains needed to support primary producers and small businesses throughout the state.
The QTA calls on the government to recognise the critical role of road freight in responding to this flood crisis in North Queensland. By including road freight in disaster assistance programs, the government will demonstrate its commitment to supporting all facets of the economy during this trying time.
The QTA stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that Queensland emerges stronger from this crisis to ensure that the long-term sustainability of the road freight industry.
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Media Contact: Gary Mahon | gary@qta.com.au | 0418 736 802
