CCAA, in representing the State’s construction materials sector, has welcomed the release of the draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan by the State Government, and the announcement of the development of a new “Fit-for-Purpose” Extractive Industry Assessment Framework for the quarry sector.
The draft Plan sets out a 30-year vision for Queensland’s resources industry. Quarry resources are a key part of the broader resources sector and support the broader construction sector, which has been key in keeping the QLD economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic and currently supports around 230,000 jobs.
The proposed Fit-for-Purpose Extractive Industry Assessment Framework “will balance the impacts of extractive industries with local and state need for construction materials to support infrastructure priorities.” It will be developed over 2022-23 and the Queensland Government will consult with stakeholders, including local governments, the community and extractive industry operators, to develop a fit-for-purpose extractive industry assessment framework.
Mr Aaron Johnstone, QLD State Director of CCAA, said “Quarry assessment and approval processes has been a long-standing issue for our industry, and we are very encouraged that this reform area has been included in the draft Plan.”
“Quarry sites are essential for futureproofing Queensland and building the future homes and infrastructure needs of our growing state and maintaining effective supply of materials will become ever more critical as the State population grows and we prepare for the construction needs of the 2032 Olympics” Mr Johnstone said.
“A better assessment framework will help to manage infrastructure costs, and prevent materials from being transported from further distances, with long-haul truck movements contributing to higher greenhouse emissions. Recent quarry refusals in South East Queensland have highlighted the need for reform”.
The SEQ construction sector alone requires thirty million tonnes of material from local quarries, a need likely to grow as 1.5 million extra people move to the region by 2041. A new home uses about 110 tonnes of quarry material and 53m³ of concrete and the building of one kilometre of a two-lane highway requires about 14,000 tonnes (or 400 truckloads) of quarry materials.
CCAA will work with its members and the State Government in providing more detailed feedback on the Plan, and assist in developing the proposed reforms in the area.