Victoria’s biggest transport infrastructure projects will be under the spotlight at the 2026 VTA State Conference next month.
Senior project leaders will brief transport industry stakeholders on the progress, operational impacts and long‑term freight benefits of these major investments.
A Victorian Road Transport Infrastructure session will feature presentations from the West Gate Tunnel Project, North East Link Program and Austroads, giving freight operators direct access to the decision-makers shaping the state’s future freight network.
VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, said the session will be essential for transport operators preparing for significant changes to Melbourne’s road network.
“This year’s conference brings members face‑to‑face with the experts delivering the state’s most important transport projects,” Anderson said.
“Freight operators need clear, practical information about how these projects will affect routes, travel times and compliance, which is what this session will deliver.”
West Gate Tunnel Project
Deputy Director of Traffic and Network Planning at the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority, Paul Smith, and Transurban General Manager for Victoria, Anup Jois, will provide an update on the completed tunnel and the final stages of the West Gate Freeway upgrades.
Their presentation will also outline truck bans in Melbourne’s west and the expected freight reliability improvements.
“With the West Gate Tunnel now open, the freight industry is entering a new era of safer and more dependable access to the Port of Melbourne,” Anderson said.
“Operators need early insight into how to integrate these changes smoothly into their daily operations.”
North East Link
North East Link Authority Director of Delivery, Sebastian Motta, will offer a detailed update on tunnel works, major interchange construction, and upgrades to the Eastern Freeway and M80.
The project is expected to create new north–south connections and significantly reduce congestion for freight.
“The VTA has championed North East Link for its transformative freight benefits,” Anderson said.
“It will stitch together manufacturing, logistics and arterial freight routes in a way that has been needed for decades.”
Austroads
Austroads Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Allan, will present national perspectives on freight productivity, infrastructure planning and road network consistency across Australia and New Zealand.
Peter Anderson said Austroads’ involvement brings national relevance to the session.
“Our members operate across borders every day,” he said. “Hearing directly from Austroads helps ensure Victoria’s freight community understands—and influences—the direction of national standards and transport reform.”
Preparing for change
Anderson emphasised that the VTA State Conference is designed to equip operators with the intel needed for the next era of Victorian transport.
“These projects are reshaping the state’s freight landscape,” he said.
“Our conference ensures members are informed, prepared and ahead of the curve.”
Conference Details
The VTA State Conference 2026 will be held from 22-24 March 2026 at the Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island (San Remo), Victoria.
Registrations are available here.
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