Farmers Call To Reduce Car Reliance

Victorian farmers are urging commuters to leave the car at home where possible and catch public transport instead, as fuel shortages continue to put pressure on food production.

The Victorian Farmers Federation says the crisis hits rural communities far harder than city households, with farms relying on fuel at critical moments to plant, harvest and keep producing food.

VFF president Brett Hosking said the impact on farmers can be severe when fuel is not available at the right time.

“For most Victorians, a fuel shortage means cancelled plans, longer queues and a tighter weekly budget.”

“For farmers, timing is everything. Farming runs on narrow weather windows, and if the tank is empty at the wrong moment you can’t just wait for prices to settle, you lose the opportunity, and sometimes the entire crop.”

Mr Hosking said keeping farmers supplied with fuel is in the interests of every Victorian, with local growers playing a major role in feeding Australia and overseas markets.

“Keeping farmers moving is in everyone’s interest. Victorian farmers grow almost a quarter of Australia’s food and feed millions more across the globe.”

The VFF says even modest changes in Melbourne commuting habits could free up significant fuel for agriculture.

“If just one in five Victorian car commuters shifted to public transport, the fuel saved would be enough to plant roughly half of Australia’s wheat, barley, canola and lentil crop.”

“A little would go a long way. Even taking one or two trips a week on the train, tram or bus instead of driving can leave more fuel in the system for the jobs that keep supermarket shelves stocked.”

The federation is now calling on the Victorian Government to make public transport free across the state until supply stabilises, arguing lower-cost travel would make it easier for households to swap cars for trains, trams and buses.

It is also urging the government to run more services, more often, especially during peak periods, warning free public transport will only work if the network can safely handle extra passengers.

“When the dust settles, the government needs to take a good hard look at the numerous warnings they’ve ignored that’s left us in this predicament. For now, we’re asking for a helping hand to grow the food and make sure it gets to where it needs to go,” Mr Hosking said.

The VFF is asking Victorians to back the push as the fuel crisis continues.