The peak body representing Australia’s heavy construction materials industry, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), has welcomed the continued focus on infrastructure to drive the South Australian Economy. The 2021-22 SA Budget continues investment in key infrastructure projects across the state.
CCAA also welcomes funding for business cases for future infrastructure, which will help position SA to obtain more Federal Infrastructure investment for key roads, including continued duplication of the Augusta Highway.
The investment in health infrastructure, including the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Education Infrastructure and Transport Infrastructure will help rebuild the South Australian economy with new employment opportunities during the pandemic. Ongoing commitments to transport infrastructure are also welcome with an additional $1bn to provide a third lane in the proposed South Road tunnels helping to future proof this key north south corridor. Ultimately this road will also play a vital role in helping to deliver the critical heavy construction materials throughout Adelaide and South Australia.
CCAA Chief Executive Ken Slattery welcomed the Budget’s future infrastructure focus following the stronger than expected economic turnaround. Mr Slattery said that “the ongoing investment in key infrastructure, such as a new hospital, schools, sports facilities and roads, will help to continue the economic recovery across SA, following COVID-19. While the future outlook continues to remain uncertain, the focus needs to remain on the creation of new and deliverable projects to boost capacity and new economic opportunities.”
Jason Kuchel, State Director NSW & SA for CCAA welcomed the SA Government’s record $17.9bn infrastructure spend over 4 years. “The State Government’s record infrastructure commitment stands to create more than 19000 local jobs and will drive demand for locally sourced heavy construction materials.”