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Tasmanian Government urged to consider ‘crucial’ quarry reform

Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has called on the Tasmanian government to implement a strategy to protect the supply of construction materials.  

Recently, the Tasmanian government released its budget for the 2024-25 period which detailed a series of important infrastructure projects across the state.  

The CCAA has expressed its support but wants to see the range of infrastructure projects supported by regulatory reforms to allow “market-ready” construction materials, including concrete and cement.  

Michael Kilgariff, chief executive officer of the CCAA, highlighted a lack of concrete sand in South East Tasmania as an example of why a strategy was needed to ensure material supply.  

“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,” he said. 

“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.” 

Michael Kilgariff is the CCAA chief executive. Image: CCAA

It follows similar calls from the CCAA earlier this year regarding New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia’s state budgets.  

The organisation has urged those states to develop a Heavy Construction Materials Plan to ensure a consistent supply of construction materials to support infrastructure pipelines in those areas. 

The Tasmanian budget, led by Tasmanian Treasurer Michael Ferguson, includes spending arrangements for several major infrastructure projects. Many of these projects, from the new Bridgewater Bridge to the Macquarie Point Redevelopment and Tasman Highway upgrade, will likely require a significant quantity of construction materials.  

“CCAA looks forward to working with the Tasmanian Government and other stakeholders to develop a Heavy Construction Materials Plan that supports the delivery of the budget,” Kilgariff said. 

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