Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia has unveiled plans to improve biodiversity in the extractive industry and called for a more consistent approach across Australia.
With a focus on sustainable, environmentally responsible methods of supplying construction materials for Australia’s buildings, roads and other infrastructure, the CCAA’s industry priorities statement aims to take its green goals even further.
The statement includes several priorities that cater towards the industry demand for a framework that boosts an already successful track record of biodiversity management.
This includes a proposed regulatory framework with environmental conditions for planning approvals that are not retrospective and consistency and clarity of policy across all governments.
Furthermore, the statement requests for offsets to be staged over the life of a quarry during progressive rehabilitation of the site and the provision of biodiversity credits to operators who improve biodiversity values with their actions.
“There needs to be major improvements at all levels of government in order for operators to be successful in further improving biodiversity in their local regions,” CCAA chief executive officer Ken Slattery said.
“The sector has long been committed to supplying construction materials for the Australian community in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
“It is common practice for our members to undertake effective and progressive rehabilitation and restoration of quarry sites, which are contributing to significant environmental outcomes throughout Australia. “
“The sector aims to minimise its environmental impact and, where possible, achieve a net positive benefit to biodiversity and sustainable land uses. These new policy priorities build on this commitment by identifying the key areas of policy that need to change.”
The full statement can be found on the CCAA website.