The Allan Labor Government is working with industry to decarbonise and supercharge the $36 billion freight sector through the Victorian Freight Plan.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today met with more than 100 freight and logistics industry leaders at the launch of the new plan to outline key actions which will support the sector and help operators reduce emissions.
As part of the updated the Victorian Freight Plan - the Labor Government will deliver the $8 million Freight Sector Innovation Fund to assist small and medium heavy vehicle operators trial and transition to low-emission equipment.
The fund will also expand electric-charging infrastructure to provide operators with greater access to low-emissions fuels which will create new tools for industry to assess and track their carbon emissions to encourage decarbonisation.
Our sea-freight industry will benefit from Ports Victoria's representation in the Green and Digital and Shipping Corridor (GDSC) agreement signed by the Australian and Singapore Governments in 2024 to cut emissions.
The Port of Melbourne has already undertaken work that aligns with the GDSC to cut down on emission, including progressing a feasibility study on green methanol bunkering and working to establish Green Shipping Corridors with key trade partners - which will pave the way for regional decarbonisation.
The Labor Government is progressing further work as it seeks to become the first Australian state to be a sub national endorser of the global Memorandum of Understanding for decarbonising freight transport, giving the state access to a global network of expertise and data to cut heavy freight transport emissions.
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.
The Plan includes shared government and industry goals to grow a freight system that protects and strengthens our competitive advantage and enhances Victoria's livability and economic prosperity - with consultation shaping potential actions to the plan.
Victoria continues to lead the nation when it comes to exporting goods, with the Port of Melbourne handling more than a third of Australia's container trade as our gateway to international markets.
To learn more about the Victorian Freight Plan, visit vic.gov.au/freight-victoria.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
"Our plan will support operators to cut carbon emissions - making the industry most sustainable and ensuring freight can move around Victoria efficiently.''
"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.''
