The Queensland government has officially opened its expression of interest process to deliver essential sea freight to services to Outer Torres Strait Island (OTSI) communities.
As part of its commitment to ensuring OTSO communities receive reliable and cost-effective essential goods deliveries, the state government is seeking EOIs from sea freight operators who are capable of providing these essential services to reduce cost of living pressures.
Due to its location and the complexity of supply chain and transport logistics, the cost of shipping freight to the region is significantly higher than other supply chains, resulting in higher prices for essential goods.
Along with the Queensland government increasing the Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme’s discount on essential items from 5.2 per cent to 20 per cent on September 9 this year, the government continues to ensure that regional Queensland supply chains are robust to keep communities connected to freight movements providing access to affordable, essential items.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has released an expression of interest via QTenders, which closes midnight Friday, November 22.
Expressions of interest will help inform how the Queensland government can best work with a freight service provider to ensure the OTSI region is well supported into the future.
Operators can click here to learn how to apply.
“Our state includes some of the most remote communities anywhere in the world, which is why continuing to support them is critical to ensuring sustainable freight service delivery,” Queensland transport and main roads minister Bart Mellish says.
“Reducing cost of living pressures for Queenslanders, regardless of where they are located is a key focus of the Queensland government, along with ensuring communities remain connected to essential goods and services.
“I encourage prospective sea freight operators who are interested in working with the Queensland government to provide essential services to the OTSI region to submit an expression of interest.”
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