Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), representing the heavy construction materials industry, applauds the Victorian Government’s commitment to boosting quarry supplies, as outlined by Minister for Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.
The support for quarry materials supply is beginning to yield meaningful results, enhancing the availability of sand, rock, and gravel, crucial for Victoria’s new housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.
Since its inception last year through collaboration between CCAA and the Victorian government, the Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination (RVAC) unit has expedited approvals for new quarries in close proximity to areas of high demand. This strategic move has resulted in the approval of four new tonnes of quarry material development for every one tonne currently produced, supporting future demand and efficient supply.
Over 300 million tonnes of new quarry resources are set to be approved for industry development – quadruple the expected demand this year. Victoria’s quarry sector achieved a record annual production of 73.6 million tonnes of rock, sand, and gravel in 2022/23, marking a 14% increase over the past three years. However, not all of this is close to demand and further planning, cultural heritage and other consents are needed in some cases for the material to be market ready.
CCAA commends Resources Victoria for its role in accelerating approval times by case-managing resource development applications more efficiently. This tailored approach allows quarries to expand in tandem with infrastructure and housing developments, to better support a steady supply of materials.
These achievements are enhancing the supply position of quarry materials to rebalance the sustained deficit over decades. However, there is still work to be done to ensure long-term surety. To achieve this, CCAA remains committed to its strong collaborative relationship with the Victorian government.
“As the industry continues to support Victoria’s BIG BUILD, it looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the government to address the supply changes facing the construction materials sector,” said Michael Kilgariff, CEO of Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia.
“The infrastructure industry is undergoing a pivot from transport to energy and social infrastructure, while the building industry is also facing a number of economic and social challenges, including an acute housing shortage. All these sectors require an efficient and sustainable supply of heavy construction materials,” Mr. Kilgariff emphasised.