The upcoming year’s Federal Budget is due to be released in May, but $5 billion seems to be the magic number when it comes to fixing freight passages. 

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) recently released their 2024-25 pre-budget submission, which requested an extra $5 billion over ten years to fix freight roads, dangerous level crossings and increase rest areas. 

It’s not a new call from the trucking body, who recommended the same number two years ago, ahead of the 2022-23 budget. 

Back then, they estimated a gap of $4.7 billion in investment in road infrastructure for freight purposes and heavy vehicle charges that were collected. 

“Australia must…invest in developing a defined all-weather network, with a supporting secondary network pre-approved for use, in the wake of road network closures due to fires, floods and crashes,” ATA Chair David Smith said. 

Australian Trucking Association Chair David Smith. (Image: ATA)

“To achieve this, the Australian Government should assume responsibility for major freight roads through the national highways program.”

In a cost of living crisis, ATA believes that relief on freight will provide a relief for customers further down the line. 

“Practically all goods and services have an embedded road freight cost,” the pre-budget submission read. 

“Every year in Australia, three truckloads of freight is moved per person…reducing road freight cost is a necessary part of any sustainable solution,” it continued.

Currently, similar work has a combined annual spending of $340 million, including funding for new and upgraded rest areas, the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and the Bridges Renewal Program. 

A commitment of $5 billion over ten years would raise this number to $500 million annually, creating a $169 million gap between what truck drivers are asking for. 

“All the projects under the program should be linked to results, such as improving safety and enabling the industry to increase its use of high productivity trucks,” Mr Smith said. 

“Increasing the use of high productivity trucks would reduce total vehicle movements, reduce congestion growth and lower the cost of freight. High productivity trucks are more likely to be safer, quieter and less emissions intensive.” 

Other recommendations for the trucking industry include stamp duty reform to encourage new and safer vehicles, and making it easier for migrants to access truck driving work in Australia.