Victoria is narrowing its industrial focus with a new policy aimed at boosting productivity and resilience.
The plan targets skills, infrastructure, and energy supply to strengthen key sectors like manufacturing, construction and transport.
The new Victorian Industry Policy marks a shift away from a reliance on population growth. Instead, it focuses on building industrial strength.
The framework centres on four key ideas: building skills, growing the industrial base, developing strategic industries, and securing energy for the net zero transition.
Engineering, transport and construction industries all stand to gain, with the government pledging to support modern construction methods and scale up machinery, equipment, and metal manufacturing.
To help this, it will unlock more industrial land, simplify approvals, and speed up key projects.
“The Victorian Government is taking decisive steps to secure gas supply for industry,” the policy says.
New gas projects will be fast-tracked. Offshore gas storage will also be expanded. The state has flagged major gas supply risks from 2029. It is calling for a national gas reservation to protect local users.
Renewable energy zones and low-emissions industrial precincts are also on the table, with hydrogen and biomethane seen as future gas alternatives. A new Renewable Gas Directions Paper will help guide this shift.
Construction and freight transport will benefit from lower emissions targets and more recycled material use. The Recycled First policy will now apply to non-transport projects.
To fill skill gaps, the government is funding workforce development at TAFEs. It’s also trialling hydrogen truck servicing courses. New programs will link training to industry needs through the Victorian Skills Authority and Skills Solutions Partnerships.
The policy highlights future growth areas including critical minerals, additive manufacturing, and green materials like recycled steel and sustainable aviation fuel. The government also plans to cut red tape by halving the number of regulators by 2030 and open up more land, especially in the regions.
Overall, the plan places productivity and strategic capability at the centre of Victoria’s economic growth, with infrastructure as a key enabler.
The Victorian Industry Policy is accessible in PDF form.
