The peak body representing Australia’s heavy construction materials industry, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), has welcomed the Queensland Government’s State Budget handed down by Treasurer Cameron Dick, and has highlighted the central role played by the construction materials sector in supporting the Government’s vision for the State.
CCAA CEO Ken Slattery said the sector would be a key partner in the delivery of signature initiatives in areas such as health, transport and infrastructure, social housing and education.
“This includes providing essential construction materials such as sand, stone, gravel, cement and concrete for the building of new hospitals in Toowoomba, Coomera, Bundaberg and the new Queensland Cancer Centre, and major expansions at another 11 hospitals across the State” Mr Slattery said.
“In addition, such materials – which are sourced from local quarries, concrete plants and cement facilities – will be used in the $7.3 billion for roads and transport infrastructure, the $3 billion Building Future Schools Program and the $441.3 million earmarked for social housing capital in 2022–23”.
Key initiatives in the 2022 Queensland Budget include:
- Infrastructure – $59.13 billion over four years to 2025/26
- Capital expenditure on transport infrastructure will total $7.309 billion in 2022–23
- Health – capital increases of $9.785 billion over 6 years, including new hospitals at Toowoomba, Coomera, Bundaberg and the new Queensland Cancer Centre, and expansions at 11 other hospitals across the State
- 4 new schools to open in 2025 as part of a $3 billion Building Future Schools Program
- Social housing – $441.3 million in 2022–23 for the delivery of new social homes and upgrades of existing dwellings for vulnerable Queenslanders
CCAA State Director Queensland, Aaron Johnstone said the focus on social and economic infrastructure again underlined the need for policy reform.
“The State’s Government continued focus on infrastructure is welcome, though highlights the need for improvements with quarry approvals, regulatory efficiency, supply chains, energy costs and skills and labour” Mr Johnstone said.
“Like other sectors, our industry is currently facing enormous supply chain challenges – despite the increased materials’ demand from population growth and new infrastructure – a demand which will continue in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. More work is needed to get the policy settings right.” Mr Johnstone said.
“The State has an exciting decade ahead, and its vital the State is geared-up to make the most of its opportunities.”