CCAA Calls for Certainty as EPBC Reforms Progress Through Parliament
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia
Key Facts:- CCAA emphasises the need for careful implementation to ensure the system is workable and complements existing state systems
- The reforms must provide clear, predictable environmental approvals whilst supporting essential construction materials supply
- Industry involvement is crucial in developing National Environmental Standards, definitions and guidance materials
- Clear guidance is needed on offsets, planning, emissions reporting and transitional arrangements to avoid delays and duplication
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) notes today’s announcement that the Government has reached agreement with the Greens to progress reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
While the industry has long supported the modernisation of Australia’s environmental legislation, today’s development reinforces the importance of a carefully managed implementation phase to ensure the system is workable in practice.
CCAA Chief Executive Officer Michael Kilgariff said the focus must now shift to how the reforms will be implemented across jurisdictions and how clearly the new requirements are defined and applied.
“This reform package must deliver clear, predictable and efficient environmental approvals that complement, not duplicate, State systems,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“Our sector supports strong, sustainable outcomes, but the implementation must be practical and proportionate to the risks involved, especially for long-life, capital-intensive operations across the cement, concrete and quarrying sectors.
“The real test now is whether the new system provides certainty for the supply of essential construction materials and supports Australia’s housing, transport and energy infrastructure pipeline.”
Mr Kilgariff said industry engagement will be essential as the National Environmental Standards, definitions and guidance materials are finalised.
“It is critical that definitions, Standards and processes are drafted with industry involvement, so they are objective, measurable and consistently applied across jurisdictions,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“We need clear guidance on offsets, regional planning, greenhouse gas reporting, assessment pathways and transitional arrangements to avoid delays, duplication or unintended impacts on existing approvals.
“CCAA stands ready to work closely with the Government to ensure the transition is smooth, evidence-based and aligned with the practical realities of delivering essential materials for Australia’s communities.”
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About CCAA
CCAA is the voice of Australia’s heavy construction materials industry, an industry that generates over $15 billion annually and directly employs 30,000 Australians, with a further 80,000 employed indirectly. CCAA members produce most of Australia's cement, concrete, and aggregates, which are essential to the nation’s building and construction sectors.
Contact details:
Mitch Itter, Manager Communications | 0431 542 660 | [email protected]