Meeting this goal won’t only make our environment better: it will also create opportunities for businesses to grow. Victoria is expecting to gain $63 billion of economic benefits and create thousands of jobs.
Since 2014, Victoria has reduced its overall emissions at the fastest rate of any state in the country.
But there is a lot more to do, especially in those crucial areas of road transport and the freight and logistics sectors.
Our Focus for Change
- We're investing in making the rail-freight network stronger and more flexible to reduce heavy vehicle trips and thereby reduce pollution.
- We're also creating maps to give certainty for low/zero emission heavy vehicles to travel across more parts of the state.
- We’re encouraging the switch to newer, cleaner trucks.
Collaborating with Industry
On 26 October 2023, we organised a Freight Industry Decarbonisation Summit. At this event, government and industry representatives came together to find solutions to making transport more eco-friendly.
Making the switch to low/zero emissions means that the government and private businesses need to work together.
During the summit, we talked about new technologies, how to collaborate better, and making policies and regulations to support our net-zero goals.
Some industry leaders who are already working to be more environmentally friendly shared their stories and ideas at the summit. They also pointed out opportunities to use eco-friendly technologies and practices in the industry.
The results of this summit will inform the advice to government to support freight transport decarbonisation. This will help Victoria take the lead in cutting down on carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for all.
Access Maps
A new Low or Zero Emission Heavy Vehicle (LZEHV) access map is available for Volvo FM or FH Semi-Trailers (7.5t steer, 44.0t GCM). This map provides truck operators with pre-approved access route for their eco-friendly truck on specific Victorian roads, making it easier to use a more environmentally friendly heavy vehicle.
View the Volvo Access Map(opens in a new window)
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has also recently developed the Future Heavy Vehicle Roadmap to prioritise heavy vehicle reforms.
Inner West Truck Grants
Victoria has invested $15 million in grants to truck operators who travel through Melbourne’s inner west, to encourage the switch to newer, cleaner trucks.
Find out more by viewing Clean air for the Inner West.
Port Rail Shuttle Network
The Port Rail Shuttle Network will connect the Port of Melbourne to major freight hubs, making it easier and cheaper for businesses to use rail freight.
This will remove congestion around the Port of Melbourne, cut transport costs for freight by as much as 10 percent, and reduce truck trips on the suburban Melbourne roads by up to 100,000 annually.
With road travel producing significantly more carbon emissions than rail travel, the network will also play a crucial role in Victoria’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
Find out more by viewing Port Rail Shuttle Network.
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