The freight and logistics industry is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, ensuring goods move efficiently from producers to consumers.
As demand intensifies due to population growth, e-commerce expansion, and global trade, so too must our infrastructure.
Strategic investment in transport corridors, intermodal hubs, and road networks is not just a necessity – it’s a catalyst for productivity, safety, and long-term economic resilience.
At the recent Victorian Transport Association Ministerial Breakfast, industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of freight transport.
A central theme was the urgent need for visionary infrastructure investment to support growing freight volumes, particularly in urban centres.
Without a long-term commitment to upgrading these networks, bottlenecks will worsen, delivery reliability will decline, and costs for businesses will rise.
The consequences of inaction are clear: increased congestion, higher emissions, and a less competitive economy.
The West Gate Tunnel Project exemplifies how infrastructure can transform freight movement.
Supported by Transurban and the Victorian Government, this project is more than a tunnel – it’s a productivity engine.
By bypassing up to 17 sets of traffic lights and cutting travel times by up to 13 minutes between the western suburbs and the Port of Melbourne, the tunnel will deliver double-digit improvements in freight efficiency. These time savings translate directly into cost reductions for operators, improved delivery schedules, and greater reliability for customers.
This dedicated freight route will also enhance road safety by separating heavy vehicles from general traffic.
Fewer interactions between trucks and passenger vehicles mean fewer accidents, smoother traffic flow, and safer roads for all users.
Additionally, more efficient freight corridors reduce fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability and public health.
Melbourne continues to lead the nation in freight throughput, reinforcing its position as Australia’s freight capital.
In 2024, the Port of Melbourne recorded its highest annual container trade volume ever, handling 3.396 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) – a 9 per cent increase from the previous year.
In February alone, the port processed 262,248 TEUs, including 107,465 full overseas import containers and 54,269 full overseas export containers.
It also managed 603,582 revenue tonnes of motor vehicles, 535,961 tonnes of liquid bulk, and 500,716 tonnes of dry bulk cargo. These figures highlight the port’s critical role in supporting national supply chains and economic activity.
To maintain this leadership, continued investment in major infrastructure projects is essential. Expanded rail freight corridors, new arterial connections, and dedicated truck routes are key to improving safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Projects like the West Gate Tunnel ensure seamless connectivity, reduce delays, and keep supply chains moving.
However, infrastructure alone is not enough. It must be supported by modern policy and regulatory frameworks. Industry leaders have called for a modernised Heavy Vehicle National Law that prioritises risk-based regulation and operational efficiency. Without the right policy environment, even the most advanced infrastructure cannot deliver its full potential.
A coordinated approach – combining smarter regulation with strategic investment – will ensure freight operators can meet growing demand safely and efficiently. Infrastructure projects and policy reforms are not just costs—they are investments in Australia’s future.
They drive productivity, enhance safety, and support the businesses and communities that rely on efficient logistics. As economic pressures, technological advancements, and population growth reshape our landscape, our freight network must evolve in tandem.
The benefits extend beyond the freight sector, supporting job creation, regional development, and national competitiveness.
If we are to remain a global leader in freight efficiency and logistics innovation, we must continue advocating for bold infrastructure commitments.
Freight transport is evolving – and we must evolve with it.
- Peter Anderson is the CEO of the Victorian Transport Association.