Feedback is being sought as part of the Victorian Ports Review Discussion Paper.

It's the first time in almost 20 years such a comprehensive review of the state's ports has been conducted, providing industry and the public with a chance to have their say on major issues.

Topics covered in the discussion paper include port pricing and access arrangements, regulation of key port services, development of coastal shipping and industry governance.

Ports Minister Melissa Horne said the state was the biggest exporter of agricultural and manufactured goods, in Australia.

"We've commissioned this independent review because we know a thriving economy must be supported by an efficient and smart ports and freight system," Ms Horne said.

"This is the first holistic review into the Ports System since 2001 and since then the system has gone through significant change - so it's critical we get it right."

Since then, the sector has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of a third stevedore in 2015 and leasing of the Port of Melbourne in 2016.

Ms Horne said given those changes a broad analysis of the sector was needed, to understand if current policy and governing structures were still right for the current environment.

Ports in Victoria are currently managed through a mixture of private and public sector bodies.

There are four major commercial ports - Hastings, Melbourne, Geelong and Portland - and 14 smaller local ports.

The independent review is being led by Mark Curry, who has in-depth knowledge of governance and policy issues, including 15 years working in marine, ports and freight strategy.

The independent review began earlier this year and is on track to be presented to the government by the end of 2020.

For more detail on the discussion paper and to have your say visit getinvolved.transport.vic.gov.au.

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