Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO, Peter Anderson, has called for urgent collaboration to help operators transition to low-and zero-emission transport.
He made the call on 18 November, at the opening of the fourth Alternative Fuel Summit.
Anderson acknowledged the major supporters, CMV Truck & Bus, Viva Energy Australia, and Change Fuel Technologies, for their leadership in advancing sustainable freight solutions.
“Momentum towards carbon-free energy is building globally, and our industry must be ready to adapt,” Anderson said.
“But operators cannot do this alone. The transition requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and training.
“Without support, many businesses will struggle to remain commercially viable.”
He warned that while incentives are available now, penalties such as carbon taxes and trading schemes may soon accelerate the shift.
“We will be forced to comply with targets and policy if we do not do it ourselves. And when I say forced, I mean through incentives or penalties,” he said.
“Right now, there is government funding available for transition projects – but that support must continue and grow.”
He took the opportunity to highlight the difficulty of planning amid uncertainty, saying: “Trying to define a transitional pathway while staying sustainable is very difficult. We now have two opposing political positions on Net Zero philosophies that create doubt about what the future may look like here in Australia.”
He also stressed the importance of commercial viability despite pressure on the industry to adopt zero-emission.
“Your social conscience has no value if you’re broke and out of business. The solutions must have commercial value and be supported by your customers,” he said.
In a wide-ranging speech, Anderson discussed the issue of infrastructure readiness.
“Whether it’s electricity, gases or liquids, the infrastructure to deliver these alternate fuels at the volume and cost acceptable in the market is still in its early days,” he said.
“Operators need confidence that the networks will be there before they commit capital.”
In a rousing speech that had attendees fully engaged, the CEO called for a united collaboration.
“Momentum is building, and so must our knowledge and understanding. But this transition will only succeed if governments, suppliers, and customers work together to support operators every step of the way.”
Other highlights and industry insights of the Alternative Fuel Summit included the following:
- Opening Session:
Peter Anderson set the scene, followed by Viva Energy Australia on sustainability pathways, Freight Victoria on government policy, AECOM on electrifying freight, and Swinburne University on supply chain decarbonisation.
CMV Truck & Bus also showcased its Power Up Demo Program.
- Transition & ESG Panel:
Specialists from Gallagher, Impact HQ, and NetNada explored ESG compliance, risk management, and insurance implications, with Daimler Truck Australia Pacific outlining innovations in zero-carbon mobility.
- Case Studies:
Industry leaders including Cookers Oil, DHL Supply Chain, Fleet Plant Hire, Viva Energy, and Change Fuel Technologies shared real-world experiences with renewable fuels, electric fleets, and hydrogen solutions.
- Infrastructure & Future Readiness:
Experts from Hall & Wilcox, NTI, Mondo, NewVolt, EV-NRG, and Windrose addressed biofuel incentives, insurance for electric fleets, charging hubs, and developments in electric prime movers.
The day concluded with closing thanks from event supporter CMV Truck & Bus and final remarks from Peter Anderson, reinforcing the VTA’s commitment to supporting members through this complex transition.
Read about the VTA work at the previous Alternate Fuel Summit.
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