Up to 9 million cubic metres of logs will traverse Victoria’s road network each year—driving regional employment, export growth and plantation expansion—yet many critical routes are in urgent need of maintenance or upgrade to keep heavy timber trucks moving safely from origin to destination. It comes as pressure on local roads has only intensified since the pandemic, with increased migration from cities and above-average rainfall exacerbating wear and compromising surface conditions.
“Victoria’s roads are a key economic enabler and underpin our competitiveness in global markets,” according to the Hon. Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, who, in 2023, at the time of the report’s release, provided funding support for the network following the release of the Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study (TIRES) Report. “By prioritising timber-industry routes, we support jobs and drive the state’s economy.”
In total, the study highlights 167 local roads requiring A$128.6 million in maintenance and upgrades over the next five years—an average investment of A$3.72 per tonne of timber transported: “TIRES provides an evidence-based framework to help councils and government budget for the critical road upgrades needed to keep timber trucks moving safely and sustainably,” according to Cr Karen Stephens, President of Timber Towns Victoria and Mayor of Glenelg Shire Council.
“The commitment to economic expansion in key forestry regions is welcomed, and Timber Towns Victoria looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the forestry sector to ensure that industry growth and infrastructure management are properly coordinated to ensure safe and secure access for all road users.”
Prepared by Timber Towns Victoria in partnership with local councils, the Victorian Government and industry stakeholders, the TIRES Report maps timber freight volumes through to 2027 and pinpoints road segments where weight, wear and weather are undermining safety and efficiency. It reveals that projected statewide wood flow has grown from 14.7 million tonnes in the 2016–20 period to more than 34 million tonnes for 2023–27—equivalent to increased 6.9 million tonnes annually.
As it stands, local government manages about 87% of Victoria’s road network and plays a critical role in maintaining safe, high-quality local roads for timber haulage and all other users. However, the report warns that without increased funding certainty, regional councils will struggle to manage their roads to meet the growing demands for freight.
The latest TIRES report 2023 to 2027 – identifies priority infrastructure works across South West Victoria, Central Victoria, Gippsland and the Mallee by quantifying the economic contribution of the forest and wood products sector, forecasting road use in terms of transport volumes and road length, pinpointing maintenance and upgrade projects, and estimating associated costs for local government authorities.
- To learn more about the TIRES Report, click here to download the executive summary from Timber Towns Victoria’s website.
