Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has supported introducing an infrastructure strategy in South Australia.
The 20-year infrastructure strategy was released by the South Australian Government, outlining the long-term vision for infrastructure investment in the state.
According to Infrastructure SA, the state government’s infrastructure program is set to deliver record levels of investment, with more than $25.6 billion allocated over the next four years.
It comes on the back of recent data, which indicated South Australia’s population is expected to reach two million by 2031.
CCAA chief executive officer Michael Kilgariff said the pipeline needed to be supported by a secure supply of construction materials.
“With $25.6 billion in infrastructure investment over the next four years, including $10.3 billion for transport, $4.72 billion for social infrastructure, and $6.91 billion for water and energy, the Strategy provides a strong framework for economic growth, liveability, and sustainability,” he said.
“There has been ongoing engagement and collaboration between government and the heavy construction materials industry, however we do not as yet have a plan for the very building blocks needed to deliver the housing, infrastructure and state building projects that will drive the South Australian economy for generations.
“As demand for construction materials continues to escalate, further protection of quarries from urban encroachment is critical to ensure economic basic raw material supply that is necessary to meet the demand for housing, infrastructure, schools and hospitals.”
Kilgariff said there was a need for the state government to adopt a heavy construction materials plan going forward to underpin its infrastructure pipeline.
The main priorities of the heavy construction materials plan would ensure an approximate and adequate materials supply, streamline quarry approvals and facilitate the decarbonisation of the built environment and increase circular economy initiatives.
“CCAA continues to advocate for the development of a South Australian Heavy Construction Materials Plan to provide for the sustainable and affordable supply of materials to meet the extraordinary growing demand in South Australia,” Kilgariff said.
“This collaboration is important as materials supply, transport logistics and sustainability measures will ensure that the infrastructure pipeline remains affordable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
“CCAA will continue to work collaboratively with the SA Government to secure the long-term availability, affordability, and sustainability of construction materials—ensuring that South Australia’s infrastructure strategy delivers on its vision.”
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