At the Road Freight NSW 2025 Conference and Awards, NSW Transport Ministers Jenny Aitchison and John Graham both underlined the critical role that decarbonisation will play in the state’s transport future — and the practical steps being taken to support operators through the transition.
Preparing for zero-emission freight
Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, emphasised that decarbonisation is not only about cleaner trucks, but also about building the right infrastructure to support them.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work on the bus fleet, and that’s good because if you start getting that happening in heavy vehicles, it gives truck manufacturers a view of what is possible,” she said.
She pointed to the government’s investment in testing and innovation:
“We’ve purchased extra land for the Cudal truck testing facility near Orange, which will become the longest track in the southern hemisphere. It’s a big investment to facilitate innovation in heavy vehicle technology.”
Aitchison also noted the importance of looking beyond vehicles themselves.
“We’re also looking at the road base and aggregates, making them more ecologically clean. Decarbonisation is about the whole system, not just the fleet.”
Driving emissions reduction targets
John Graham, Minister for Transport, linked the shift to broader national climate policy, referencing the Federal Government’s new climate targets.
“The announcements this week about the climate target are really going to change the economy, and they’ll have a direct challenge for the transport industry,” he said.
Graham said the state is already trialling solutions through public transport that will flow through to freight.
“We announced the first all-electric bus depot at Brookvale, with up to 229 electric buses to be rolled out by 2028. While it’s a challenge for transport, it also builds expertise in the workforce that can help drive the heavy vehicle transition.”
Supporting operators through change
Both ministers stressed that the transition must be practical and supported by industry feedback. Graham acknowledged the concerns of trucking operators about cost and infrastructure:
“We know there are charging infrastructure issues that need to be addressed if we’re going to deliver the change that the Federal Government is calling for. That work is underway.”
Aitchison reinforced that industry input is central to government planning:
“It’s no point government designing infrastructure we think will suit your needs. We need to hear directly from operators so we can deliver solutions that actually work for you.”
A shared commitment
For both ministers, the message was clear: decarbonisation is coming, and NSW intends to lead the way in making the transition achievable for freight operators.
“Freight is really close to my heart,” Aitchison said. “I know how challenging it is to be running a logistics business. Our role is to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and collaboration to make this transition work.”
Graham agreed that the effort must be a partnership.
“On behalf of the government, I want to thank the industry for the work you’re doing every day. We’re backing you with reforms and initiatives that will help cut costs, boost productivity, and drive down emissions.”
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