Victoria’s transport sector received two major updates at a Melbourne industry forum, where Freight Victoria and the Victorian Transport Association outlined contrasting but complementary perspectives on the state’s low and zero-emissions freight transition.
Freight Victoria used the event to expand on work underway for Truck Low Emissions Zones and a statewide heavy vehicle charging strategy.
The VTA used the same platform to warn that the transition will fail without stronger coordination, cost-sharing and infrastructure certainty.
Freight Victoria outlines early LEZ and charging concepts
Freight Victoria Acting Director of Policy and Strategy Melissa O’Brien said both initiatives were flagged in the updated 2025–30 Victorian Freight Plan, and detailed work is now progressing.
The proposed Truck Low Emissions Zone framework will identify zone designs, enforcement pathways and required legislative changes.
O’Brien confirmed the concept will apply only to trucks, not to passenger vehicles.
She also outlined progress on the heavy vehicle charging strategy, which will assess site suitability across Victoria and map future recharging demand for the freight task.
HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger supported the direction but urged early engagement.
“Dedicated and accessible heavy vehicle charging facilities are urgently required all across Australia,” he said.
O’Brien also confirmed continued work on the state’s $8 million freight decarbonisation co-investment program, which helps small and medium operators test zero emissions technology and supporting infrastructure.
VTA warns transition must be realistic and properly supported
At the same forum, the VTA issued a more cautionary message.
CEO Peter Anderson said the freight transition cannot succeed unless government, suppliers and customers share the cost and risk.
“Operators cannot do this alone,” Anderson said. “The transition requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology and training. Without support, many businesses will struggle to remain commercially viable.”
Anderson also raised concerns about policy uncertainty.
“We now have two opposing political positions on Net Zero philosophies that create doubt about what the future may look like here in Australia,” he said.
He said infrastructure readiness remains a major barrier.
“Whether it is electricity, gases or liquids, the infrastructure to deliver alternate fuels at acceptable cost is still in its early days,” he said.