Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) welcomes the release of the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s latest report, Review of Housing Supply Challenges and Policy Options for New South Wales in recognising that urgent action is needed to address the housing supply shortage in NSW.
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia is the voice of the heavy construction materials industry in Australia. CCAA members produce the majority of Australia’s cement, concrete, and aggregates, which are crucial to the Australian and NSW building and construction sectors. These materials support the development of our nation’s transport, energy, water, housing, defence, and social infrastructure. The industry generates approximately $15 Billion in annual revenues and employs approximately 30,000 Australians directly and a further 80,000 indirectly.
“CCAA supports the Commission’s conclusions that a multi-faceted approach is needed to effect supply, including by freeing up construction capacity, streamlining the development process, supporting the construction sector, and ensuring a diverse and equitable supply of homes”, said Michael Kilgariff, CCAA CEO.
“CCAA commends Premier Chris Minns for commissioning the Report and urges the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive Heavy Construction Materials Plan as a critical component to successful implementation of the Commission’s findings.
“CCAA has published the Case for a NSW Heavy Construction Materials Plan, to provide a strategic framework to ensure the sustainable, reliable, and affordable supply of cement, concrete, and aggregates.
“An integrated plan is needed to ensure supply security of these critical materials, and streamline the approvals and planning needed to fuel NSW housing availability.
“CCAA estimates that heavy construction materials average 29% of Project Costs, and over 500 million tonnes of finished quarry products will be required by 2036 to supply the Greater Sydney Region’s total construction demand alone.
“The recommendations put forward by the Productivity and Equality Commission are crucial for unlocking housing supply in NSW. However, their success hinges on ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of the heavy construction materials needed to build the volumes of homes and supporting infrastructure required.
“Without a comprehensive Heavy Construction Materials Plan, material shortages could delay projects and escalate costs, undermining the very objectives the NSW Government seeks to achieve.
“CCAA is calling for urgent supply and regulatory reforms to support the industry and enable the more sustainable and efficient delivery of construction materials.
“CCAA looks forward to working with the NSW Government and other stakeholders to develop a Heavy Construction Materials Plan that supports these important recommendations.