Farmer News
14 August, 2025
Another truck wash to close
TRANSPORT operators and farmers across the western district who currently utilise the Geelong truck wash facility will need to plan ahead from next month.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said the announcement that the Geelong facility would cease operations in September would leave a ‘gaping hole’ in the state’s biosecurity safety net.
While truck wash facilities remain open at both the Hamilton and Mortlake saleyards, the impending Geelong closure follows the closure of the Pakenham facility late last year.
VFF livestock president Scott Young said the decision (to close Geelong) leaves Victoria vulnerable to biosecurity incursions.
“Our biosecurity safety net is only as strong as its weakest point and with the closure of washes in Pakenham and now Geelong, we’re left vulnerable,” he said.
“Truck washes are a vital part of keeping of our industry safe and detecting any potential threats.
“In the event of an emergency animal disease, the need for an efficient and effective truck wash network would be central to a statewide response.
“We now have two massive holes within our truck wash network on the eastern and western side of Melbourne and increasing movement of livestock into Melbourne meat processors is going to see this only increase.
“We need increased investment from the government and industry to keep vital infrastructure like this operating. This includes fast-tracking of new and planned truck washes to ensure our biosecurity preparedness remains high.”
Mr Young believes there’s an obvious need for the government to step in and overhaul the state’s failing truck wash network in the wake of these closures.
“There’s arguably no bigger threat to Australian agriculture than a large-scale biosecurity outbreak,” he said.
“We see investing in this infrastructure as insurance to help protect our multi-billion dollar industry.”
The VFF is reiterating previous calls for the government to scope new facilities as well as dedicated effluent management within the greater Melbourne area, and dedicate government funding to maintain and upgrade existing truck washes.