Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) has made a submission to the Victorian Freight Plan Update, and has called for an increase in rail freight in the region to look “way beyond” the usual five-year horizon.
The Victorian government has called for submissions to advise the updating of the state’s freight plan, which was implemented in 2018.
On its submission page the government states Victoria “generates more growth and jobs from freight than any other state”.
GSEM believes the planning and delivery of vital transport infrastructure in the region will not only help streamline the freight sector, but also that there needs to be greater investment in emerging technologies.
“It is critical for local industry that the capacity of this key infrastructure keeps pace with increasing population into the future, and that it remains able to service growing need from local industry for and efficient, safe and sustainable freight and logistics system.
“The Victorian government has a role to play in ensuring future truck fleets servicing the south-east capitalise on technological advancements which have the potential to improve efficiency of movement, improve road safety outcomes, and reduce emissions.
“The Victorian freight plan update should include a clear strategy to support moving greater volumes of freight off roads and onto rail in the south-east. The Victorian government has promised to deliver an intermodal freight terminal in the south-east for the past decade, and this must be delivered.
“Support and investment must be planned and committed now to ensure the south-east has expanding capacity to provide efficient freight and logistics options to industry.
“If this does not occur, we risk losing local investment to other jurisdictions which would be able to present more attractive and cost-effective options to investors.”
The Victorian Farmers Federation also released their submission for the Victorian Freight Plan Update, in which it stated a dramatic improvement to the state’s road quality must be enacted to ensure the industry can reach its potential.
Submissions to the Victorian Freight Plan Update are now closed.
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