The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the release of the Victorian Government's Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30, describing it as a step toward strengthening the freight network and improving outcomes for Victorian agriculture.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the organisation appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the development of the strategy through its participation in the Industry Stakeholder Reference Group. He noted the plan is key to enhancing the state's freight network.
"As farmers, our viability depends on keeping freight costs under control and getting our product to customers efficiently. This plan is all about making sure we can do that in a future where demands on the freight system are radically increasing," he said.
"Ensuring we have a fit-for-purpose freight network that delivers increased efficiency, productivity, and safety is a non-negotiable, and this plan must strive to deliver exactly that. VFF has been around the table to shape this plan with input from our members, and we can see that input reflected in the result."
The plan outlines 58 initiatives under four key objectives, focusing on road and rail infrastructure, port access, and performance tracking. The VFF welcomed measures to improve Victoria's rail freight system and strongly supported the development of a dedicated rail freight strategy.
Road transport remains an essential component, and the commitment to plan for future investment in Victoria's Principal Road Freight Network was described as a step in the right direction.
"We're particularly pleased to see initiatives aimed at improving access to and the competitiveness of the Port of Melbourne, which is essential for the export and import of agricultural products and inputs vital to farming operations," Hosking said.
"Victorian produce has never been in so demand in the global market, and investment in our critical freight infrastructure will help ensure we retain our mantle as Australia's most valuable agriculture exporting state."
The publication of key performance indicators to track the plan's progress is seen as a positive step for transparency and accountability. However, the VFF stressed that adequate funding is essential to achieve the plan's ambitions, noting that current commitments cover only a limited number of initiatives.
For more information:
Victorian Farmers Federation
Tel: +61 1300 882 833
Email: [email protected]
www.vff.org.au
