Quarries are key to infrastructure builds. Image: Alice Nerr/stock.adobe.com
Cement Concrete & Aggregate Australia (CCAA) has called on the South Australian and Queensland Governments to protect local quarries through a heavy construction materials strategy.
Both governments have revealed a strong infrastructure pipeline over the coming years, especially the Queensland Government in preparation for the 2032 Olympic Games. The Queensland Government has committed to spending $107 billion over the next four years on infrastructure, housing, and renewable energy projects.
CCAA is one of the key bodies of the quarrying and extractive industries. Its members produce the majority of Australia’s construction materials, including cement, concrete, and aggregate.
CCAA chief executive officer Michael Kilgariff said the South Australian government’s spending on housing and infrastructure.
“CCAA welcomes the continued commitment to infrastructure spend and the focus on long term housing given the strength and growth of the SA economy is dependent on a strong pipeline of projects and the provision of adequate and affordable housing supply,” he said.
“CCAA has underscored the need for the government to expedite the protection of local quarries, in calling on the government to develop an integrated Heavy Construction Materials Strategy across cement, aggregates, sand and concrete.
“This plan is critical in delivering an adequate supply of essential materials to the locations where they are needed.”
Michael Kilgariff is the new CCAA chief executive. Image: CCAA
The South Australian budget included several projects relevant to the quarrying and extractive industry. The housing package, new Women’s and Children’s hospital, upgrade and expansion of the Flinders Medical Centre, the new school allocation and renewable energy projects announced in the budget will require several key construction materials supplied by the quarrying industry.
These projects will require many cubic metres of concrete and millions of tonnes of aggregate to complete.
To support the supply of these materials in South Australia, CCAA is calling on the South Australian government to deliver a Heavy Construction Materials Strategy.
“This reinforces the need for an integrated Heavy Construction Materials Strategy to support the construction materials essential for housing, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects,” Kilgariff said.
“It remains imperative that the State government develop a plan to ensure the efficient and affordable supply of construction materials, focused on timely delivery and aimed at making housing, renewable energy projects and infrastructure most affordable.”
The Queensland Government has announced an equally ambitious pipeline: $27 billion in capital investment, $16.5 billion for renewable energy and storage projects, and a series of funding agreements for the continuation of infrastructure projects, including the Bruce Highway upgrade.
The CCAA welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment but expressed its desire to see the state government implement a Heavy Construction Materials plan.
“CCAA has also highlighted the urgent need for the government to accelerate the protection of local quarries and is advocating for the development of a comprehensive Heavy Construction Materials Plan covering cement, aggregates, sand, and concrete,” Kilgariff said.
“This plan is critical in delivering an adequate supply of essential materials to the locations where they are needed.
“This highlights the critical need for an integrated Heavy Construction Materials Plan to facilitate the supply of essential construction materials for infrastructure, housing, and renewable energy projects.
“It remains imperative that the State government develop a plan to ensure the sustainable supply of construction materials, focused on timely delivery and aimed at making housing, renewable energy projects and infrastructure most affordable.”
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