The ARA has welcomed the release of the Victorian Freight Plan 2025-2030 today, which outlines actions to drive productivity and decarbonisation across the state’s freight network.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the launch of the plan provided a welcome foundation for Victoria to drive freight reforms across the state.

“Victoria’s $36 billion freight sector plays a significant role in driving the state’s economy and will be key to delivering increased productivity over the next five years,” Ms Wilkie said.

“We are pleased to see the Victorian Government’s recognition that mode shift to rail is essential to the future of freight in the state.”

The plan includes a commitment to deliver a Victorian Rail Freight Plan, which will consider issues such as opportunities to promote greater use of rail, improve standardisation and enhance the capacity and resilience of the network.

Ms Wilkie said the development of a dedicated rail freight plan was timely, and should be developed as a priority.

The ARA recommended the dedicated rail plan be supported by clear performance measures to track progress over time, in addition to the key performance indicators established in the Plan.

“The rail freight sector is at a critical juncture, with only two per cent of freight moved by rail on the busy Melbourne to Sydney route,” Ms Wilkie said.

“Clear policy reforms that deliver efficiency and productivity gains, and spur greater use of rail, will deliver improved economic, environmental and community outcomes while ensuring the state’s freight sector can meet current and future demand.

“Ensuring we have the right freight moving on the right mode will strengthen the resilience of Victoria’s supply chains, while building a more sustainable and productive network.

“The establishment of a rail freight plan will support these efforts, and the ARA looks forward to engaging with the Victorian Government to advance this work as a matter of urgency.”

The ARA also welcomed the Plan’s focus on decarbonisation, and highlighted the significant opportunity greater use of rail provided to support these goals.

Rail freight generates 16 times less carbon pollution compared to road, with mode shift providing a short-term opportunity to deliver significant reductions in transport emissions.

ENDS