- Freight subsidy package implementation will begin in early 2024, to assist in reducing freight related cost of living pressures
- The package will be delivered through a retailer applied scheme that applies a 5.2 per cent discount at the cash register on eligible essential goods
- The $64 million freight subsidy package was announced earlier this year at the Cost of Living Summit on Thursday Island, to assist people in the Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions
Remote communities Far North Queensland will benefit from a 5.2 per cent discount at the cash register, when the freight subsidy package comes into effect next year.
The $64 million package, which was announced earlier this year at the Cost of Living Summit on Thursday Island, will assist people living in the Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait and Gulf regions over the next five years.
The new scheme is designed to reduce the weekly financial burden associated with freight costs in moving essential goods to these remote communities.
Stakeholders were consulted to identify ways to effectively apply the package.
The scheme will start in early 2024 through a retail discount scheme, ensuring the benefit is felt by local residents.
The discount will be applied to eligible essential goods, including fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and dairy, frozen goods and groceries.
There will be some key exceptions including alcohol, tobacco, full sugar soft drinks, confectionary, hardware, clothing, fuel, furniture, whitegoods and other general household items.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui
"This is fantastic news for my community and I thank everyone for their constructive and important input.
"Cost of living pressures are impacting Queenslanders right across the state, and nowhere more than in Far North Queensland, where the cost of freight can sometimes triple the cost of goods.
"This innovative new approach will ease the cost of living for so many families, with the subsidy applying to essential goods at the checkout, helping people when and where they need it most."
"I'm proud to be part of a government that delivers for remote communities."
Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:
"I'd like to thank stakeholders for their participation and patience in the consultation process, and for openly sharing their views about ways to implement this funding to benefit residents the most.
"The Palaszczuk Government has listened to the feedback and I am pleased to announce a new and innovative approach to applying the subsidy at the retail level will be implemented.
"By applying the benefit at the cash register, the weekly grocery shop will be more affordable for residents.
"Some items have been excluded, including fuel and clothing, as these are frequently purchased by tourists. Excluding them ensures the funding package delivers the most benefits to residents.
"TMR is working quickly to implement this new approach to provide freight funding assistance to these communities, working with relevant agencies, local government stakeholders and retailers as this scheme is established over the coming months.
"I encourage retailers to work with TMR and participate in the scheme to ensure all customers can enjoy lower prices and benefit from the five-year assistance package."
