Farmer News
14 August, 2025
Federation welcomes freight plan
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the release of the state government’s ‘Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30.’
The VFF described the plan as a positive step toward strengthening the freight network and delivering improved outcomes for Victorian agriculture.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the VFF appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the development of the strategy through its participation in the Industry Stakeholder Reference Group and the plan was key to enhancing the freight network.
“As farmers, our viability depends on keeping freight costs under control and getting product to customers efficiently,” Mr Hosking said.
“This plan is all about making sure we can do that in a future where demands on the freight system are radically increasing.
“Ensuring we have a fit-for-purpose freight network that delivers increased efficiency, productivity and safety is a non-negotiable and this plan must strive to deliver exactly that.”
According to Mr Hosking, the VFF has been around the table to shape this plan with input from its members.
“We can see that input reflected in the result,” Mr Hosking said.
The plan outlines 58 initiatives under four key objectives, with a strong focus on both road and rail infrastructure, port access and performance tracking.
The VFF welcomes measures to improve Victoria’s rail freight system and strongly supports the development of a dedicated rail freight strategy.
Road transport also remains a vital piece of the puzzle, and the commitment to plan for future investment in Victoria’s Principal Road Freight Network is a step in the right direction.
“We’re particularly pleased to see initiatives aimed at improving access to and the competitiveness of the Port of Melbourne, which is essential for the export and import of agricultural products and inputs vital to farming operations,” Mr Hoskin said.
“Victorian produce has never been in such demand in the global market and investment in our critical freight infrastructure will help ensure we retain our mantle as Australia’s most valuable agriculture exporting state.”
Importantly, the publication of key performance indicators to track the Plan’s success provides greater transparency and accountability.
However, the VFF noted that adequate funding was essential to deliver these ambitions, and current commitments only covered a limited number of initiatives.
“The VFF looks forward to ongoing engagement with the government to ensure the needs of Victorian farmers remain central to the Plan’s implementation,” Mr Hoskin said.