Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) says the 2026–27 Tasmanian Budget reinforces the urgent need for coordinated planning to ensure Tasmania can sustainably deliver its growing pipeline of infrastructure, housing and major development projects.
Tasmania’s infrastructure investment pipeline has reached almost $40 billion, with major investment continuing across transport, housing, hospitals, renewable energy infrastructure and major projects such as the Macquarie Point redevelopment and proposed stadium precinct.
At the same time, the Budget confirms Tasmania remains under significant fiscal pressure, with a forecast Net Operating deficit of $596.7 million in 2026–27 and net debt projected to continue rising over the forward estimates before peaking in 2028–29.
CCAA Chief Executive Officer Michael Kilgariff said the scale of the infrastructure pipeline makes efficient delivery, local materials availability and long-term resource planning more important than ever. Many of the issues identified in CCAA’s 2025 Tasmanian Election Policy Priorities document, including quarry approvals, resource protection and long term supply planning, are becoming increasingly important as demand for construction materials continues to grow.
“Tasmania needs a coordinated approach to planning and securing the heavy construction materials required to deliver the State’s infrastructure, housing and renewable energy ambitions,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“The Budget confirms strong ongoing demand for heavy construction materials across transport, housing and major infrastructure projects, but supply constraints and planning delays continue to pose risks to affordability and delivery.”
Mr Kilgariff said recent Mineral Resources Tasmania analysis confirming the effective exhaustion of suitable coarse concrete sand in Southeast Tasmania demonstrates the growing pressures facing the sector.
“That report highlights the growing challenge facing the industry and why faster approvals and better long-term resource planning are becoming increasingly important,” he said.
“As demand for infrastructure and housing continues to grow, Tasmania needs a more coordinated approach to resource planning, approvals and materials supply.”
Mr Kilgariff said the Government’s establishment of Building Tasmania presents an important opportunity to better align infrastructure planning, project delivery and construction materials supply.
“A more coordinated approach across government will help support project delivery, reduce supply chain pressures and improve long-term affordability outcomes for the Tasmanian community,” he said.
“By improving long-term materials planning, protecting strategic quarry resources and supporting timely approvals, Tasmania can help reduce cost pressures, strengthen supply chains and support more affordable housing and infrastructure delivery.”