The Murray Region Forestry Hub Infrastructure Needs and Optimisation Assessment evaluates the freight, road, and infrastructure requirements of the forest and wood products industry across southern NSW and north-east Victoria.
The study found that the region’s freight task involves around 5.7 million tonnes of material per year across inputs, outputs, and internal transfers, with 159,000 truck movements annually. While the Hume Highway supports efficient freight transport for most manufactured products, the variability of log haulage routes—affected by terrain, bridge limits, and small-town access—creates safety, efficiency, and maintenance challenges.
The assessment identified 27 key infrastructure issues across seven local government areas, recommending targeted investments totalling approximately $118.8 million, including major priorities such as the Jingellic Road upgrade and a potential Tumbarumba bypass via Courabyra Road.
The report emphasises the benefits of transitioning a portion of the log transport fleet to high-productivity vehicles (A-doubles) to reduce truck movements, fuel use, and emissions. It concludes that coordinated infrastructure upgrades, improved freight planning, and collaboration between industry and government are essential to sustain the region’s timber industry and ensure road safety and efficiency for all users.