The Carroll Labor Government is supporting communities in Melbourne's inner west with a $1 million grants program to benefit neighbourhoods most impacted by heavy vehicle traffic.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today announced the Better Freight Outcomes Fund, a $1 million grants program that will improve the environment and amenity of neighbourhoods in the inner west.
Established as part of the West Gate Tunnel Truck Bans Act, the Fund will provide community grants for projects to improve the environment and amenity of local areas in the inner west, and will use the proceeds from penalties issued to trucks that breach no-truck zone regulations.
The fund will commence in 2027 and local communities are encouraged to contribute to its design via a survey to help understand priorities, as well as the types of projects that will deliver the greatest benefits.
The Inner West plays a vital role in Victoria's freight network, given its proximity to the Port of Melbourne and key industrial and logistics hubs.
A range of Labor initiatives and projects are already helping to reduce the impacts of trucks on local neighbourhoods while keeping freight and goods moving.
These include the West Gate Tunnel, No-Truck Zones and moving more freight from road to rail.
Last month the Labor Government announced the successful recipients of the $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program including Foodbank in Melbourne's west.
The program assists more than 30 small-to-medium businesses across the state to purchase electric vehicles, install charging infrastructure and decarbonisation equipment helping reduce emissions, make streets quieter and lower operating costs for businesses.
Supporting industry to invest in cleaner equipment throughout the supply chain was a key action identified in the Victorian Freight Plan 2025-2030: Victoria Delivers and to help with cleaner air and quieter streets near and along freight routes.
The survey is open until Sunday 1 November 2026.
To contribute to the Better Freight Outcomes Fund survey, visit Engage.vic.gov.au/Better-Freight-Outcomes.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
"Labor is working with communities in Melbourne's west to deliver cleaner air and quieter streets whilst keeping freight moving, keeping our promise to the community.''
"We have listened to the community about the heavy vehicles impacting neighborhoods and we are delivering that change to keep our streets quieter and healthier.
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"Only Labor is getting trucks off our local streets and investing back into local communities."
