Victorian Government Releases Rail Freight Plan - Freight on track:The Victorian Rail Freight Plan 2026-2036

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) welcome the release today of the the Victorian Government's Freight on Track: The Victorian Rail Freight Plan 2026-2036, setting out a 10-year framework aimed at increasing rail freight utilisation, improving network reliability, supporting private sector investment, and strengthening connections between regional Victoria, intermodal terminals and ports.

Three Strategic Objectives

The Plan is structured around three key objectives:

1. Improve predictability and confidence in Victoria's rail freight network
The Victorian Government has committed to providing greater certainty for operators and customers through:

• a 10-year maintenance and upgrade program for the regional rail freight network;
• monitoring and public reporting of rail freight performance; and
• improved integration of rail information and management systems.

2. Strengthen consideration of rail freight access in network coordination and project delivery
Key initiatives include:

• development of a Freight Rail Disruption and Service Continuity Management Framework;
• stronger freight performance monitoring through the next Metropolitan Rail Franchise (MR5);
• review of rail access guidelines and pricing arrangements; and
• establishment of a cross-agency freight rail committee with industry engagement responsibilities.

3. Support industry investment in rail freight growth
Actions include:

• creation of a Rail Freight Concierge service to assist industry proponents;
• development of a long-term rail freight network vision identifying growth opportunities by corridor;
• consideration of future network enhancements, including passing loops, axle load upgrades and standardisation opportunities; and
• ongoing support for the Port Rail Shuttle Network and improved rail access to the Port of Melbourne.

Key Themes for Supply Chain Stakeholders

Several themes within the Plan are relevant to importers, exporters, freight forwarders, logistics providers and rail operators:

• greater emphasis on rail freight reliability and path certainty;
• improved management of rail disruptions and maintenance impacts;
• stronger integration between ports, intermodal terminals and rail services;
• support for modal shift from road to rail where commercially viable;
• encouragement of private sector investment in terminals, rollingstock and freight services; and
• recognition of rail freight's role in reducing emissions, congestion and fuel consumption.

The Plan also notes that Victoria has invested approximately $598 million in the regional rail freight network since 2020 and highlights the importance of the Port Rail Shuttle Network, which commenced operations from Somerton in late 2025 and is expected to expand to additional terminals including Dandenong South.

Further information

• Freight on Track: Victorian Rail Freight Plan 2026-2036
• The Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30: Victoria Delivers
• Developing the Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30: Victoria Delivers

FTA/APSA will continue to engage with Victorian Government agencies and industry stakeholders on implementation of the Victorian Rail Freight Plan 2026-2036 and advocate for practical reforms that improve supply chain efficiency, resilience and competitiveness.

This ongoing engagement builds on FTA's participation as a member of the Victorian Government's senior-level Industry Stakeholder Reference Group, which helped inform development of the broader Victorian freight policy framework and future freight priorities.

Tom Jensen -  General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA