The Victorian Government is seeking to consult with transport industry members to develop an improved freight and logistics plan.

Minister for Ports David Hodgett and Minister for Roads Terry Mulder have already met with freight leaders at the inaugural Ministerial Freight Advisory Council roundtable. Hodgett says he’s focussed on making sure the state’s ports are operating at their maximum capacity. “It is a fantastic opportunity to have all of the key industry players in one room, with one common objective to provide the insight and direction required to maintain and increase Victoria’s competitive edge,” Hodgett says.

“We’re expanding capacity at the Port of Melbourne with the $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project and we’ve begun the process of creating additional capacity at the Port of Hastings by allocating $110 million to progress planning for Victoria’s second container port.

“We’re also improving our inland freight network through the $28 million Transport Solutions initiative to support Victoria’s growing regional export market which leads the nation in agricultural exports, accounting for 29 percent of all food and fibre exports.”

The East West Link announced earlier this year should help too, especially where trucking is concerned. Members of the public can take part in the consultations process here.