- Freight operators will soon benefit from two new incentives aimed at making rail freight more cost-effective, connecting more Queensland goods to customers.
- From January 2027, a Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme will reduce the cost of transporting new containerised freight on sections of the North Coast line, Mount Isa line, Central West line and South West system.
- Discounted access charges for fuel transported on the Mount Isa line will encourage uptake of rail freight, helping lower costs and increase freight volumes on the network.
Queensland Rail is rolling out two new incentives designed to lower operating costs for new and existing freight operators across the rail network, boosting regional investment and keeping Queensland communities connected.
The incentives form part of the Queensland Government's Queensland Freight Delivery Plan 2026, focussed on delivering a more productive, reliable and resilient freight system.
The Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme will provide a rebate of up to 50 per cent, helping eligible new and existing customers grow their containerised freight across sections of the North Coast line, Mount Isa line, Central West line and South West system.
The discount will be eligible on any new containerised freight being moved.
On the Mount Isa line, a discount on access charges for fuel freight will also encourage greater use of rail, helping reduce transport costs, while supporting industry growth in the North West.
This discount builds on the existing 10 per cent subsidy on below-rail access charges and 30 per cent subsidy on rock phosphate access charges for Mount Isa line users.
Fewer trucks on key corridors means smoother road access to and from rail terminals, improving overall freight flow, reducing environmental impacts and improving road safety.
On average, one fully loaded freight train could take up to 40 trucks off the road with rail freight producing 16 times less carbon pollution than road freight per tonne-kilometre travelled.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said he was pleased to see the incentives delivered, lowering barriers to entry and simplifying access for operators.
"These discounts are part of our commitment to facilitating more freight on rail and improving safety, reliability and affordability across the network to better serve Queensland communities," Mr Cornish said.
"Operators could save up to $280 per container moved depending on the sector.
"Discounted access charges for fuel transportation on the Mount Isa line will help address the high-volume diesel demands due to the extensive mining operations in the region.
"A full train of fuel on rail could save operators up to $50,000 per train.
"We encourage operators to take advantage of these incentives and look forward to seeing freight volumes increase on rail."
The Rail Freight Container Incentive Scheme will commence from 1 January 2027 and will run for three years, supporting businesses looking to expand their freight operations, while the Mount Isa line fuel discount is now available.
