Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has expressed support for the Tasmanian Budget’s record infrastructure spend to fuel the state’s growth, while emphasising the importance of securing an affordable supply of construction materials to support the planned housing and key infrastructure.
CCAA Chief Executive Officer Michael Kilgariff said: “CCAA welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s budget 2024-25 and in particular the strong ongoing commitment to infrastructure spend needed to support a growing Tasmania.
“CCAA is now urging the government to develop an integrated Heavy Construction Materials Plan across cement, concrete, aggregates, and sand to support the sustainable and affordable supply of construction materials needed for a prosperous Tasmania.
“Our call for a Heavy Construction Materials Plan for Tasmania recognises its critical role in delivering an adequate supply of essential materials to the locations where they are needed. The critical shortage of concrete sand in the southeast of the state is an amber warning that a state led plan to approve materials is urgently needed.
“This ambitious budget sets out a sustained demand for heavy construction materials that must be matched by an equally ambitious government plan to ensure supply can keep pace where and when it’s needed.
“Alignment of approvals across government to identify and attract investment into the cement, concrete and quarry sector through a central government coordinator will further support market ready materials.
“It is crucial that the Tasmanian 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 and sustainable.
“CCAA looks forward to working with the Tasmanian Government and other stakeholders to develop a Heavy Construction Materials Plan that supports delivery of the Budget.”
A record $5.1 billion infrastructure spend across the budget years includes $1.9 billion on roads and bridges, $650 million on hospitals and health facilities, $610 million for development of Hobart’s Macquarie Point, including $355 million for the stadium.
Major Tasmanian projects relying on affordable heavy construction materials include:
- The new Bridgewater Bridge
- The Tasman Highway upgrade and Sorell Causeway
- Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment and stadium
- Bass Highway upgrades
- Robins Island and Jim’s Plain Windfarms
