29/04/2026
Hi all,
I wanted to post this to make sure you are aware of a new Government-backed support initiative that may be available to assist those impacted by the increased diesel prices.
🔹 What is the program?
The Australian Government has introduced the Economic Resilience Program under the National Reconstruction Fund, designed to support businesses impacted by global supply chain disruptions.
For eligible businesses, this program may provide:
• Zero-interest loans (0%)
• Loan terms of up to 2 years
• Funding to help manage increased costs and maintain operations
🔹 Who is this relevant for?
This program is particularly aimed at businesses in:
• Transport & logistics
• Fuel and energy supply
• Agriculture and related services
• Manufacturing and supply chain industries
If your business has been impacted by rising diesel/fuel costs, supply delays, or increased operating expenses, you may be eligible.
🔹 What can the funding be used for?
The funding is designed to support business continuity, including:
• Managing increased fuel and operating costs
• Supporting cash flow during disruption
• Paying suppliers and maintaining contracts
• Keeping vehicles, equipment and operations running
🔹 Important to note
• This is a loan (not a grant) — the principal must be repaid
• Standard lending assessment still applies
• Funding is limited and time-sensitive, so early preparation is key
🔹 What you should do next
If you believe your business may be impacted, I recommend preparing the following:
• Recent fuel invoices / fuel account statements
• Bank statements (to demonstrate cash flow impact)
• Any supplier or cost increase notices
• A short summary of how rising costs are affecting your business
Even though this is something you have to go to the banks directly, our goal is to ensure you access the right support — not just any finance — and to help protect your business through this period.
Contact the majors and see if they can help you - NAB, CBA, Westpac, ANZ, Bendigo Bank and Bank of QLD. Some people may not be eligible but just see how you go.
We will be here if you need any other funding that they cannot assist with to keep your business moving.
What we are doing a lot of at this moment:
- Older truck and trailer finance - example - yesterday we got one of our regular customers 2 x approvals for 1998 Kenworth K100 for $25k - there are some good bargains to pick up around Australia at the moment
- Capital raising - can't get loans approved but own some assets outright? We can see if we can capital raise against the assets and unlock that equity for your cash flow needs. Often the interest rates are lower than some business loans in the market so this tends to be a good option.
We have a heap of other examples but I will keep you all posted a bit more frequently.
Yell out if you have any questions or need any help.
From Kim, Patrick, Josh and Shirley
The Truck Stop Finance Team
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