The Queensland state government has announced a new four-year 10 per cent subsidy on below-rail access charges for users of the Mount Isa Line.
The subsidy is designed to support industry, strengthen freight corridors and grow the Northern Queensland economy.
All users of the Mount Isa Line, a freight corridor connecting one of Australia’s richest mineral provinces to the Port of Townsville, will now benefit from the 10 per cent subsidy, providing certainty for businesses to plan, invest and grow.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the four-year subsidy was about supporting the state’s industries that underpin jobs and regional communities.
“By lowering rail transport costs, we’re making rail a more competitive option for industry, improving freight corridors and supporting growth across the North West Minerals Province.
“We know transport costs can be a real pressure on industry in the north and this subsidy will encourage a shift from road to rail, improving safety on our roads and strengthening long-term freight resilience.”
Lowering transport fees reinforces the Mount Isa line as a critical freight corridor. The government pointed out that the subsidy will bring in savings for customers moving materials between the North West Minerals Province and the Port of Townsville.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the said the rail subsidy will drive demand for the state’s resources.
“Queensland’s resources are world-class, and demand is strong, with the Trump administration elevating phosphate to the United States’ List of Critical Minerals late last year,” Last said.
“But to meet that demand, we need to get our resources to the coast, and that’s where the Mount Isa Rail Subsidy kicks in.
“The Mount Isa Line is the backbone of the North West economy, moving mineral concentrates, processed metals, fertilisers, phosphate rock and acid to export markets.”
