Attendees included local freight operators, processors and warehousing operators who rely on freight services and the Port of Melbourne. Together they represented more than 1500 local jobs, operate more than 200 trucks (heavy vehicles) and generate significant inbound and outbound freight activity in the region and across eastern Australia.
Mr Yeoland said it was no surprise that fuel supply, price and certainty was the issue of the day.
“Forward purchasing cannot alleviate the challenges for freight operators who need to refuel on the road. Reliable supplies across regional areas and strong ACCC oversight of pricing are key,” Mr Yeoland said.
The forum identified three immediate actions for state and federal governments.
- Relax the fuel excise, especially for industry.
- Prioritise fuel supplies for essential services and industries
- Prioritise supply of fuel to regional areas where alternative freight and passenger transport options do not exist.
“Relaxing the fuel excise and defining essential services and industries were steps taken during the pandemic that worked,” Mr Yeoland said.
“Our region is very connected to so many essential industries.
“From local waste management, to delivering linen supplies to hospitals across the state, on-farm operations that include back-up energy systems, and the collection and movement of perishable raw products like milk and fresh fruit and vegetables, and meat, but also processed products that must meet domestic and international food safety regulations including shelf-life requirements,” Mr Yeoland said.
The committee chief executive delivered the forum’s recommendations later the same day at the Industry Forum on Fuel Supply in Victoria hosted by the Victorian premier. The Victorian Government forum was convened to further inform Thursday’s national forum convened by the prime minister.
Looking beyond the current challenges, the committee forum also discussed priorities for future meetings.
“If we can help boost freight productivity, we not only improve the outlook for our freight sector, we also boost the competitiveness of domestic and export industries that rely on their services,” Mr Yeoland said.
“Again, it was no surprise that this discussion began from the ground up with the state of regional roads.”
The forum discussions also identified the infrastructure and regulatory changes needed to enable high‑productivity freight vehicles and multi‑combination vehicles on suitable corridors to move more freight with fewer truck movements, as well as what was needed to support electrification of freight, and opportunities for more efficient use of containers.
Mr Yeoland said it was a great opportunity to outline the collaboration between Wodonga TAFE, Volvo Trucks Australia, WomenCAN Australia and Transport Women Australia that will kick off next month.
“The program will deliver an industry co-designed training, licensing and employment pathway for women entering the industry in partnership with a small number of local businesses,” Mr Yeoland said.
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