The Victorian Government has updated the Victorian Freight Plan in an effort to “decarbonise and supercharge” the state’s $36 billion freight sector.
The state’s Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, joined more than 100 freight and logistics industry leaders at the launch of the updated Plan.
“Our plan will support operators to cut carbon emissions — making the industry most sustainable and ensuring freight can move around Victoria efficiently,” the Minister said.
“This will protect and strengthen Victoria’s competitive advantage, maintain our status Australia’s freight and logistics capital and support our workforce of 260,000 who keep our supply chains moving every day.’’
As one element of it, the $8 million Freight Sector Innovation Fund will help vehicle operators test and transition to low-emission equipment.
The Fund will also be used to expand electric-charging infrastructure.
The state’s sea-freight industry will benefit from Ports Victoria’s representation in the Green and Digital and Shipping Corridor (GDSC), an agreement to cut emissions that was signed by the Australian and Singapore Governments in 2024.
The Port of Melbourne has already undertaken work that aligns with the GDSC, such as a feasibility study on green methanol bunkering and working to establish Green Shipping Corridors with key trade partners.
The Victorian Freight Plan will support targeted investments in new road, rail and port infrastructure to support freight combinations that can move more cargo with fewer emissions.
Victoria is also seeking to become the first Australian state to be a sub-national endorser of the global Memorandum of Understanding for decarbonising freight transport, which would give the state access to a global network of expertise and data.
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