The Murray Region Forestry Hub’s Optimising the Timber Freight Task project examines the critical role transport infrastructure and freight efficiency play in supporting the forestry and wood products industry across north-east Victoria and the south-west slopes of New South Wales. The region is home to a nationally significant concentration of softwood plantations and timber manufacturing, processing around four million tonnes of logs and raw materials each year to produce essential products including timber, paper, cardboard, panels, and packaging. With almost 160,000 truck movements required annually, the project highlights the importance of safe, reliable, and efficient freight networks in supporting regional jobs, industry growth, and economic resilience.
The report identifies practical infrastructure and logistics solutions designed to improve road safety, reduce freight inefficiencies, and strengthen regional connectivity for communities and industry alike. Through collaboration with local government, industry, and transport agencies, the project outlines priority road upgrades, bridge improvements, bypass investigations, and opportunities to expand the use of more efficient heavy vehicle configurations. By reducing truck movements, fuel use, and emissions while improving freight productivity, the initiative demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment can support safer roads, more sustainable transport systems, and long-term regional development across the Murray region.