At the Road Freight NSW 2025 Conference and Awards, Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, acknowledged the mounting pressures on transport operators and outlined how the NSW Government is stepping in to support businesses both large and small.
Aitchison said many of the challenges facing the sector cut across multiple portfolios, creating barriers that no single operator can resolve on their own.
“Ultimately, those things are causing businesses that have been around 50 or 70 years to close their doors, which impacts on you as a transport operator,” she said.
Road funding boost
The Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to fast-track road repairs and disaster recovery funding following years of floods and other natural disasters.
“Last year we pumped out $1.024 billion — more than five times the previous funding — to councils so they could repair roads damaged by disasters,” Aitchison said.
She added that an extra $155 million had been brought forward for upgrades on the state road network to get highways “back up to standard as quickly as possible.”
Collaboration with councils and agencies
Aitchison stressed the importance of collaboration between government and industry to address bottlenecks.
“As Minister, I see one of the really critical functions I can do is bring together those other parts of government to ensure that when problems arise, they are dealt with quickly.”
She also noted that tighter accountability on council spending is improving outcomes:
“Councils now have to acquit the funds they’re given, so we are seeing much better data and transparency on road upgrades.”
Supporting freight and infrastructure growth
The government is also investing in key freight routes impacted by renewable energy projects.
“We are really investing the time and money in getting the Golden Highway right, making sure that oversized and over-mass movements can happen without compromising existing freight tasks,” Aitchison explained.
Rest areas and safety
Driver fatigue and safe facilities remain a priority, with several projects underway.
“The Western Sydney Truck Stop is an $80 million investment by the federal and state governments, and we’re working towards getting that ready to go next year,” Aitchison said.
She confirmed further rest area upgrades across the network, including new facilities at Narrabri and major works planned for the Newell Highway.
A message to operators
Above all, Aitchison said industry feedback is vital to shaping government policy.
“It’s no point government designing infrastructure we think will suit your needs. We need to hear directly from operators so we can deliver solutions that actually work for you.”
- Government fuel relief plan welcomed as industry warns of mounting pressure
Australia’s peak trucking bodies have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to fast-track changes to allow fuel costs to be passed through the supply chain, but warn that more immediate support is needed to prevent business failures across the transport sector. The move follows a dramatic surge in diesel prices, which industry leaders say has placed - Freight Costs Set to Rise as Diesel Prices SurgeAustralian trucking operators are warning customers to prepare for higher freight costs as diesel prices surge, according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA). Australian Trucking Association CEO Mathew Munro said the rapid increase in global diesel prices is already flowing through to Australian retail fuel prices and will inevitably affect transport costs across the economy. The
- Fuel Tax Credit Debate ReignitesThe Australian Trucking Association has urged the Australian Government to reject a recommendation from the Productivity Commission that would phase out fuel tax credits for trucking operators, warning it would increase freight costs and place further financial pressure on the industry. The recommendation was included in the Commission’s final report on Australia’s net zero transformation
- Top Tips for Employers to Help Apprentices SucceedAt the Australian Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Conference (TMC) 2025, a powerful message resonated across the room: the industry’s future depends on how well today’s employers train, mentor and retain apprentices. The panel session Working with TAFEs to Get Training Results brought together four experienced voices — Ashley Belteky, (Apprenticeship Mentor – Women in Male-Dominated Trades at
- Working with TAFEs to Get Training ResultsAt the 2025 Technology and Maintenance Conference, a packed session explored how employers, trade schools, and support organisations can collaborate to improve apprenticeship outcomes. Moderated by Ashley Belteky, (Apprenticeship Mentor – Women in Male-Dominated Trades at Apprenticeship Support Australia), the discussion featured Paul Chaseling (Head Teacher – Heavy Vehicles Automotive at Dubbo TAFE NSW), Dylan Jenkin (Service Manager at Tatiara
