Dec 2025 news: it’s how we change that matters

As we arrive at the end of a huge year it’s clear that something important is happening across Australia’s Freight landscape. The momentum that has built around the Future Freight CRC bid continues to be encouraging, and is a strong signal that the time is ripe for coordinated, transformational change in this sector that is so critical to our nation’s wellbeing.

Freight is already shifting under the weight of new demands, new technologies, and mounting expectations around sustainability and productivity. That change will continue in some form regardless. Our collective task is to make sure it happens in a way that strengthens our nation, boosts efficiency and jobs, and positions Australia to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment. 

We have a genuine window of opportunity, and we cannot afford to waste it.

In response to this need, the FFCRC bid team has spent this year laying the foundations for a new R&D centre that will proactively capture opportunity through high impact collaborations.

Some highlights of our progress this year:

• We have commitments from more than 50 organisations spanning industry, government, research, technology and more. Together, they have committed approximately $54 million to the bid, a signal of confidence in the approach we are taking. 
• We established the Bid Advisory Committee bringing together experienced leaders who reflect the diversity and complexity of the freight ecosystem.
• We appointed a well-regarded Chair for the Advisory Committee, Peter Duncan AM,  who has already provided invaluable guidance and is a strong strategic anchor for the journey ahead.
• Throughout the year we held many workshops across the country, bringing people together to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and share insights about the future of freight. 
• We recently hosted an in-depth researcher workshop and completed an industry and government priorities survey, both of which are now guiding the detailed work of shaping the research program. We are in the process of identifying any gaps, sharpening themes and creating a compelling CRC proposal that  ensures delivery of real, system-wide impact.

All of this effort is steering us towards a robust FFCRC bid submission in early 2026.

While the progress in 2025 has been significant, the opportunity is far from closed to further partners. Entities across the freight ecosystem who seek to innovate, collaborate, and help shape a more efficient, productive, and sustainable future should contact us as soon as possible and discussions can continue into early next year.

We regularly hear that the case for change in Freight is well understood. Demand pressures, decarbonisation imperatives, and national productivity goals all point in the same direction. The question now is not whether freight will change, but how.

If we leave it to evolve in isolated pockets, we will miss the chance to create the integrated, resilient, and future-ready system Australia needs. But if we act together, this can be a defining moment. The window is open. Let’s use it.

Wishing you all a wonderful Xmas and New Year. We are looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2026!

Lee-Ann Breger
Bid Lead, Future Freight CRC