Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), the voice of Australia’s heavy construction materials industry, has welcomed the outcomes of the recent Treasurers’ meeting.
“This is a tangible step forward in building a Single National Market that supports productivity, decarbonisation and affordability across the construction sector”, said CCAA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Kilgariff.
“The Treasurers’ agreement to advance further action on recognising international standards and harmonising state standards is strongly endorsed by CCAA.
“Current inconsistencies across jurisdictions, and outdated standards such as AS 3972-2010 General purpose and blended cements, restrict the uptake of low-carbon cement and concrete, stifle innovation, and add unnecessary costs.
“By shifting to performance-based Australian Standards and harmonising approaches across the country, we can reduce embodied carbon in concrete by up to 10 per cent while unlocking billions in GDP benefits”, said Mr Kilgariff.
“Treasurers also agreed to progress heavy vehicle access reforms to improve transport productivity and remove regulatory barriers disadvantaging electric and zero-emissions trucks.
“Our industry operates one of Australia’s largest freight fleets, moving the essential inputs and products that keep the construction sector going.
“Reforming heavy vehicle access rules will enable us to adopt zero-emission trucks more quickly, reduce transport costs, and lower the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects across the nation.
“The meeting outcomes are a significant step in the broader Single National Market agenda.
“CCAA members produce the materials that build Australia’s homes, roads, bridges, hospitals and energy infrastructure. These reforms will help us deliver those projects more efficiently, sustainably and at lower cost to the community.”