The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) responded to the June 2024 discussion paper by the Department of Transport and Planning on updating the Victorian Freight Plan.
We acknowledge the evolving context since the plan’s last publication in 2018, particularly focusing on the road freight sector.
Our submission underscores the necessity for freight businesses to maintain profitability to sustain operations, highlighting that road transport must be treated as a business rather than a community service.
The VTA asserts that the updated plan should deliver on three key pillars: improved productivity, efficiency, and safety outcomes.
Roads and bridges are crucial infrastructure assets.
Projects like the West Gate Tunnel and North East Link are recognised for their potential to enhance capacity and productivity.
However, issues such as 24/7 curfews on heavy vehicles and tolls in northern Melbourne pose challenges. The VTA recommends planning for an Outer Ring Road to further alleviate congestion.
Bridges, often limited by their structural capacity, are vital for the road freight industry.
We call for the implementation of weigh-in-motion sensors on all nominated freight route bridges to provide accurate data on vehicle types and weights, enhancing the assessment of bridge life and supporting productivity improvements.
Our submission highlights the gap in the Heavy Vehicle National Law regarding technology. Road transport operators heavily invest in technologies like GPS, data analytics, and AI to drive efficiencies.
The VTA stresses that data generated by private enterprises should remain proprietary and suggest that the government should develop its own data collection mechanisms, such as weigh-in-motion sensors and traffic management systems, to improve route and freight task analysis.
The VTA notes the increasing freight demands due to population and consumption growth. To address future capacity needs, allowing larger trucks on the road network is essential.
The current permit system for these vehicles is seen as complex and revenue-focused, hindering productivity.
We recommend a comprehensive review and overhaul of the heavy vehicle permit system to improve service outcomes and meet the freight industry’s needs.
It is essential to integrate the Victorian Freight Plan with other government and institutional bodies. This integration ensures shared values and priorities across entities, enhancing the plan’s effectiveness.
For instance, transport corridor preservation priorities in the Freight Plan should be acknowledged by the Victorian Planning Authority. The VTA calls for the final plan to be formally shared with and incorporated into other government entities’ strategies.
While road transport dominates, intermodal connectivity with sea, rail, and air freight is crucial for improved productivity, efficiency, and safety. Successful examples like the seamless transition of airfreight to road freight demonstrate the benefits of intermodal systems.
We’re advocating for the development of the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT), Western Industrial Freight Terminal (WIFT), and the Eastern Freight Hub to facilitate efficient mode transitions and enhance Victoria’s freight networks.
Attracting and retaining staff, especially drivers, is a significant challenge.
The current heavy vehicle licensing process is inadequate for training drivers and attracting young talent.
The VTA recommends a reformed licensing system with comprehensive training, including a five-day behind-the-wheel program for pre-qualified individuals starting at 18 years old. This approach aims to create a skilled and committed workforce for the road freight industry.
The VTA’s submission emphasises the need for long-term objectives and integrated strategies in the updated Victorian Freight Plan.
The association aims to stimulate constructive discussions to benefit not only the road freight industry but all Victorians.
We look forward to engaging further on this submission to ensure a more productive, efficient, and safer transport network in Victoria.
- Peter Anderson is the CEO of the Victorian Transport Association.
