Meeting our emissions reduction goal won’t only make our environment better: it will also create opportunities for businesses to grow. Victoria is expecting to gain $63 billion in 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 still a lot more to do, especially in crucial areas like road transport and the freight and logistics sectors.
Our focus for change
- We’re working with industry to decarbonise our $36 billion freight sector through key actions in the Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30 - Victoria Delivers.
- Victoria Delivers is the freight system roadmap for the next five years, developed in close collaboration with industry.
- The plan gives industry certainty and confidence to invest and support trialling and transitioning to low or zero-emission freight vehicles, infrastructure and technologies.
- We're investing to make the rail-freight network stronger and more flexible, reducing heavy vehicle trips and pollution.
- We're also creating maps to give certainty for low/zero emission heavy vehicles to travel across more parts of the state.
Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Fund
To help industry reduce emissions, an $8 million Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment (VFDC) Fund has been established for small and medium businesses.
The fund will look to support tangible benefits to the freight industry such as more electric-charging infrastructure and provide greater access to zero or low-emissions freight vehicles.
It’s about helping our small-and medium-sized freight businesses adapt and thrive, while working with industry for a smarter, safer and cleaner freight sector.
This will support our economy, create jobs and benefit communities near freight routes while making a real difference to the environment.
It supports the shift towards decarbonisation, Victoria’s legislated Climate Action targets and community expectations for climate action and improved air quality.
Applications can cover costs for purchasing or leasing of low or zero-emissions vehicles, alternative fuel trials, and promoting innovative technologies or business models aligned with program goals.
The Expression of Interest is open to small to medium-sized freight businesses with up to 200 employees.
Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial
The Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial will give freight operators the chance to trial electric heavy vehicles through a government-supported program.
The two-year trial, in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), allows operators to test electric heavy vehicles through a subsidised leasing model.
The trial will help operators gain hands-on experience with electric heavy vehicles.
The trial will help freight operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to gather data and driver feedback to understand the capabilities, limitations and costs of electric vehicles across various freight tasks and routes
The findings will offer insights into vehicle performance, charging patterns, operational feasibility and help identify operational barriers
We’re grateful to the VTA, Velocity Truck Centres, Laverton and all partners involved, including Daimler Truck Australia, Pacific RSM Group Pty Ltd, Royans Transport Accident Repairs, RACV Commercial, Energy Solutions, and Fleet Plant Hire Solutions.
For details or to apply, visit the Victorian Transport Association's page on the Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial.
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 or zero-emissions means that the government and private businesses need to work together.
During the Summit, we discussed new technologies, how to collaborate better, and how to develop 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 highlighted opportunities to use eco-friendly technologies and practices in the industry.
The results from this Summit helped to inform advice to the 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 a 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.
Port Rail Shuttle Network
The Port Rail Shuttle Network will connect the Port of Melbourne to major freight hubs, making it easier for businesses to use rail freight.
This will reduce congestion around the Port of Melbourne, cut freight transport costs by up to 10 per cent, and reduce truck trips on the suburban Melbourne roads by up to 100,000 annually.
With road transport producing significantly more carbon emissions than rail, the network will also play a crucial role in Victoria’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
Find out more by viewing Port Rail Shuttle Network.
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