The 2024-25 Federal Budget includes $2.4 billion in new freight and logistics infrastructure investment, with major allocations for rail and port projects.
Key Allocations
Inland Rail
- Additional funding: $1.2 billion
- Focus: Accelerating key sections
- Timeline: Updated completion targets
Port Infrastructure
- Port of Melbourne: $180 million for rail interface
- Port Botany: $220 million congestion reduction
- Port of Brisbane: $150 million capacity expansion
Road Freight
- Heavy vehicle rest areas: $120 million
- Bridge upgrades: $280 million for higher mass limits
- Urban freight access: $95 million for last-mile
Industry Response
Peak bodies welcomed investment while noting:
- Inland Rail remains behind schedule
- Urban freight access underinvested
- Skills and training funding insufficient
- Electric vehicle infrastructure gaps
State Coordination
Budget emphasises coordination with state projects:
- NSW freight corridor upgrades
- Victorian port rail shuttle
- Queensland intermodal terminals
Industry stakeholders emphasise importance of execution over announcement, given historical project delays.