THE Victorian Department of Transport has confirmed Garry Button is to leave both the department and his role as chief executive of Freight Victoria.

In a notice, departmental secretary Paul Younis said Mr Button had decided to leave “to explore other opportunities that have been presented to him”.

“Garry has played an important role in the Department, not just leading Freight Victoria, but also previously in a number of executive leadership roles as part of Transport for Victoria,” Mr Younis said.

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“I would like to thank Garry for his role in establishing Freight Victoria, commencing delivery of the priority actions of the Victorian Freight Plan, and setting the foundations for the Department to build even stronger relationships with key freight stakeholders, including local councils, primary producers, ports and the freight and logistics industry.”

Megan Bourke O’Neill and Mr Younis are to shortly begin recruiting for Mr Button’s replacement.

“It is our priority to find the best individual to lead the Freight Victoria team to continue the important role in coordinating the delivery of the Freight Plan and providing a central point of contact for all key freight stakeholders,” Mr Younis said.

Andrew Newman is to act as head of Freight Victoria in the short term.

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson thanked Mr Button for his contribution.

“We thank Garry Button for his work in getting this very important government department up and running and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Mr Anderson said.