Road upgrades, infrastructure spending and other benefits included in several State Budgets for 2025/26 could present benefits for heavy vehicle operators. While much attention focuses on the Federal Budget each year, many of the policies and decisions announced in the individual state budgets can have great significance for business operators. Road construction and many infrastructure projects fall under the responsibility of State rather than Federal Governments, while some projects can be co-funded.
Other business issues such as toll charges, some rebates and payroll tax are decided at state level. Benefits realised or additional expenses faced by businesses as a result of State budget announcements can be significant for businesses in making decisions around investing in new vehicles and other assets. These policies may have special importance at this time, as businesses set themselves up for the 25/26 financial year.
So what’s in it for you for 2025/26 from the states? We provide a brief rundown on some of the issues which may be relevant to operators in the heavy vehicle and broader transport sector.
NSW State Budget Road Upgrades
The NSW state budget for 25/26 was handed down by Treasurer Mookhey in late June. The road and transport network funding was cut by $10.5b in the budget. But key upgrades and transport initiatives were included.
$2.4b of the budget expenditure has been designated for upgrading existing roads and construction of new roads. This includes for Fifteenth Avenue which is a major route from Liverpool to the new Western Sydney Airport. Funds have been allocated for upgrades to road safety. These include for line markings and for safety infrastructure for schools.
For operators in the construction sector, a welcome budget expenditure may be the TAFE spending on skills development. The aim being to deliver nearly 5,000 trades into the construction sector in coming years. This is seen of major importance for delivery of the housing agenda.
Road Upgrades in Queensland Budget
After Queenslanders elected for a change of Government earlier in the year, the new Liberal QLD Treasurer David Janetzki brought down his first state budget. With the 2032 Games uppermost for the state, infrastructure and roads were important budget inclusions.
The QLD Transport and Roads Investment Program received an allocation of $41.7b. The funds to go towards integrated solutions to reduce congestion and improve connectivity. The Country Roads Connect program receives $100m to improve the resilience to flood impacts of the state’s regional roads.
Trades training was also included by the QLD Treasurer with 4 new TAFE centres to be established. A reprieve for businesses come by way of a continuation of the 50% Apprentice Payroll Tax Rebate for another year.
Recent weather events have caused havoc for the transport sector. The works to country roads may be of key importance for operators transporting produce out of the state’s agricultural and resources hubs and transporting goods into key population centres.
WA State Budget Review
Treasurer Rita Saffioti handed down the WA State Budget in mid-June and included a number of transport related initiatives. Funds have been allocated to safety upgrades with the Regional Road Safety Program, significant investments in transport infrastructure were announced, along with establishing a heavy vehicle driver training facility.
ACT Budget Summary
Facing a significant deficit, the ACT budget included measures to lower that deficit rather than significant spending announcements. For some businesses, the announcement of a lower payroll tax threshold will mean a new cost for their operation.
Victoria
The Victorian Government is increasing maintenance of roads in a $777m spend for regional transport connections in the annual budget. This includes repairing flood damage, potholes and resurfacing many roads.
Specific projects include rehabilitating San Remo Bridge, upgrading safety to the Princes Highway East, and works on Mt Emu Creek Bridge.
New Vehicles in Your Budget?
Road upgrades across the country can mean safer travel for transport operators and less damage to vehicles. Reducing maintenance costs and downtime while repairs are being carried out. Improving resilience of some networks to flooding may provide greater confidence for businesses operating those routes. Confidence that they will be in a better position to meet customer schedules.
Is there anything in the state budgets for you? Any of the initiatives announced inspire you to upgrade to new vehicles? Possibly the prospect of an interest rate cut in coming months may be an incentive. Review our current truck finance interest rates and use our Finance Calculator to work up rough estimates on repayments as a guide for working up your own budget.
With our highly competitive rates across the selection of asset finance – Lease, Rent-to-Own, Chattel Mortgage, and Commercial Hire Purchase, investing in new vehicles may be a very affordable and workable decision.
If state road upgrades are an incentive to invest in new heavy vehicles, contact Jade Truck Loans on 1300 000 003 to discuss your finance options.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS ISSUED PURELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERAL INFORMATION PROVISION. IT IS NOT TO BE TAKEN AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR BASING FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING. THOSE REQUIRING FINANCIAL GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR FINANCIAL CONSULTANT OR ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY MISREPRESENTATION OF POLICIES, DATA OR ERRORS IN THIS CONTENT.
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