- Published:
- Monday 23 March 2026 at 9:30 am
Labor is helping Victorian freight businesses save money by becoming less reliant on fuel and adopt cleaner, more efficient operations.
Two new programs will help freight operators invest in low and zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure and technology.
This will help to cut costs and make the freight sector more resilient.
Applications are now open for the Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program and the Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial.
Together, the programs will help businesses reduce operating costs and improve operations.
They will also support efforts to cut transport emissions, which account for around a quarter of Victoria’s total.
The $8 million Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program will provide grants of up to $300,000 for small and medium-sized freight businesses.
It will support investment in cleaner vehicles, charging infrastructure, low-emissions fuels and new technologies.
The $1.5 million Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial is being delivered in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association – giving businesses real-world experience with electric heavy vehicles.
These programs are part of the Allan Labor Government’s plan to decarbonise Victoria’s $36 billion freight sector.
Victoria’s freight industry employs around 240,000 people. It moves approximately 440 million tonnes of freight each year. This is expected to grow significantly in the decades ahead.
By supporting businesses to invest in cleaner technology now, the programs will help reduce emissions, improve air quality and cut costs. They will also support local jobs, especially in communities along key freight routes.
Expressions of interest for the Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program close at 4:00pm on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“We know the cost of fuel is hurting our freight operators which is why rolling out these programs will help freight businesses cut costs, boost efficiency and modernise their fleets for the future.”
“We’re making it easier for operators to save on running costs while transitioning to cleaner, more reliable technology.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“Supporting industry to adopt low and zero-emission vehicles is critical to cutting emissions and building a stronger, more resilient economy.”
Quotes attributable to VTA CEO Peter Anderson
“We commend the Victorian Government for recognising the scale of the decarbonisation challenge and for supporting freight operators with meaningful, hands‑on programs.”
“The VTA has consistently advocated for a measured, informed transition so that freight companies can adopt cleaner technologies when it makes operational and commercial sense.”
“While this shift will take years, the most important step is beginning with knowledge, clarity, and a plan.”