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.”
- Komatsu’s Technician Recognised as a Tradie Trailblazer
Komatsu technician Caitlyn Hayes has been honoured nationally, taking home the Tradie Trailblazer Award at the 2025 Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) Gala in Melbourne. The annual EWIT Awards celebrate women driving change across the trades, from apprentices to industry leaders. The Tradie Trailblazer category recognises individuals who break new ground and inspire others through their leadership and contribution. “It was amazing to - Training and Technical Excellence Recognised at ATA AwardsThe Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has celebrated industry leadership in training, maintenance and technical achievement, announcing the winners of its 2025 awards during the Castrol Awards Dinner in Melbourne. The event, part of the Technology and Maintenance Conference (TMC), recognised Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage, Scott Gardiner of Australia Post, and engineer Chris Loose for
- Transit Systems Celebrates Award-Winning ApprenticesTransit Systems is celebrating national success after two of its apprentices were recognised for outstanding achievement in state industry awards, underscoring the company’s commitment to developing Australia’s next generation of skilled transport professionals. In New South Wales, Patrick Jutrisa was named the BusNSW 2025 Achiever of the Year for his professionalism, reliability, and passion for the industry. Meanwhile in
- Supporting the Next Generation of Workshop TechniciansFleet workshops across Australia face the same challenge: how to attract, train and retain the next generation of mechanics and technicians. Skills shortages are intensifying, and the automotive industry competes with other trades for young talent. For Fleet Managers, the question is not only how to bring apprentices through the door, but how to ensure
- Building a Career in Road Transport: Jo Tomaszewski’s Inspiring JourneyWhen Jo Tomaszewski, Operations Manager at Freighter Group NSW, stood on stage at the Road Freight NSW 2025 Conference and Awards, she spoke with raw honesty about the whirlwind journey she has taken over the past 12 months. Her speech was more than a career reflection — it was a story of resilience, determination, and the
