Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has cautiously welcomed the Western Australian Government’s 2025–26 Budget, applauding initiatives such as the $1.4bn in additional housing initiatives to unlock land for an additional 33,000 homes.
However, CCAA is concerned that the significant drop in infrastructure spending from 2025-2027 will result in a short-term drop in demand for heavy construction materials, making the post 2027 surge in construction materials even more difficult to meet.
“A trough before a boom is a recipe for under investment and a loss in capacity at a time when the WA Government needs our industry to prepare for the next wave of large projects”, said CCAA CEO, Michael Kilgariff.
“As projects in WA increase after 2027, their success will depend on the availability of aggregates, concrete, limestone, and cement, also known as heavy construction materials.
“CCAA calls on the Western Australian Government to bring forward shovel ready projects to enable construction material supply companies to maintain their capability, so that they can invest in preparation for the next boom in infrastructure projects driven by Defence, Westport, Perth Airport and others.
“CCAA also calls on the WA Government to undertake a supply and demand study leading to the development of a Heavy Construction Materials Plan to ensure the affordable and timely supply of the essential materials that underpin the state’s growth.
“As outlined in CCAA’s 2025 Western Australia Election Policy Priorities, a heavy construction materials supply plan will aid in ensuring private sector investment is timely and that capability can be built when needed.
“We commend the Western Australian government’s commitment to long-term economic development and liveability, but the affordability and timely delivery of medium and long term projects hinges on securing a reliable supply of construction materials.
“Without a coordinated plan for materials supply, these projects face cost pressures and delivery delays.”