- Published:
- Thursday 26 October 2023
The Allan Labor Government is leading a call to action to deliver a zero-emissions freight transport roadmap as it sets one of the most ambitious global reduction targets to reach net zero across the Victorian economy by 2045.
Today, the Department of Transport and Planning hosted a Freight Decarbonisation Summit, connecting Government, industry and operators to identify obstacles and fast-track solutions.
As a result of the summit the Labor Government and industry will co-design policies, regulations, infrastructure and technology to accelerate next generation sustainable mobility and meet our climate targets.
Access maps will reduce the need for structural assessments on a permit-by-permit basis for operators of approved vehicles - saving time, cutting red tape and cost burdens on the heavy vehicle industry.
The first map centres will be on a new Volvo electric semi-trailer, allowing the manufacturer to start offering this combination for use on the approved network by local operators to super-charge a shift towards more sustainable heavy vehicles.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has commenced developing a Future Heavy Vehicle Roadmap to provide a blueprint so the Australian heavy vehicle industry can further plan.
Victoria has set targets to decarbonise at the fastest rate in the country and has already cut its overall emissions by more than any other state since 2014.
The Labor Government has set interim emissions reduction targets of 50 per cent against 2005 levels by 2030 and a 75-80 per cent reduction by 2035.
These targets will support Victoria to seize the enormous economic opportunity climate action presents – generating $63 billion of economic benefits and generating thousands of jobs.
We are also moving more freight from road to rail, reducing emissions from heavy vehicles as we continue with major investments in a more resilient and flexible rail-freight network.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 announced a $15 million program targeting truck operators who regularly travel through Melbourne’s inner west, providing grants to remove their older, dirtier trucks off the road and encourage the transition to newer, more emission efficient trucks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“Achieving substantial reductions in transport sector emissions means we need to rapidly reduce our petroleum-fueled vehicle fleet and shift freight to rail while we transition to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) powered by clean energy.’’
“Today’s summit shows Victoria is forging a path to drive energy transition in the freight sector, accelerate the uptake of ZEVs and encourage mode shift across our transport network as we zero-in on decarbonisation.’’