More freight moved in the Victoria urban areas off peak, better use of intermodal terminals, urban delivery zones and more zero emission trucks in city areas are all part of the new 30-year year strategy for Infrastructure Victoria.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has welcomed the key recommendations in the blueprint, which outlines a more sustainable and productive future for the freight, transport, and logistics industry.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson said the recommendations reflect the realities facing freight operators and offer a practical roadmap for reform.
“Infrastructure Victoria has rightly acknowledged that freight volumes are set to double by 2051, and that without meaningful intervention, our road and rail networks will struggle to cope,” Anderson said.
“We welcome the call to make rail freight more competitive and reliable by 2030. Rail must be treated as a complement to road freight, not a second-tier option. This doesn’t mean less freight on road because while ships and trains carry freight only trucks deliver.”
The VTA also supports the recommendation to encourage off-peak freight delivery in urban areas, which would help reduce congestion, emissions, and delivery costs.
“Off-peak delivery is a smart, achievable step that benefits everyone—from operators to consumers,” Anderson said. “But it requires regulatory flexibility and incentives to make it viable for businesses already operating on tight margins.”
Infrastructure Victoria’s strategy also includes a future planning option to better integrate last-mile delivery and freight planning into urban development and transport policy.
“Freight is often an afterthought in city planning, yet it’s essential to how our community functions,” Anderson said.
“Embedding freight into urban policy ensures we’re building cities that can support growing delivery demands without compromising liveability or sustainability.”
The VTA emphasised that delivering these recommendations is critical to maintaining the viability of transport operators, many of whom are facing rising costs, regulatory pressures, and infrastructure constraints.
“Freight and logistics are the backbone of our economy. If we want to keep goods moving efficiently and sustainably, we need coordinated support from government, industry, and planners,” Anderson said.
“These recommendations are a step in the right direction—but they must be backed by funding, policy reform, and long-term commitment.”
The VTA said it looks forward to working with Infrastructure Victoria, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure these recommendations are implemented in a way that supports productivity, sustainability, and economic resilience.