Heavy Construction Materials Critical to ACT Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has today released The Economic Contribution of the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Industry in Australia, highlighting the important role the Australian Capital Territory’s heavy construction materials industry plays in supporting government-led infrastructure, housing and urban renewal.
The report shows that in FY24/25 the industry contributed $141.0 million to the ACT’s Gross State Product and supported 835 jobs across the Territory.
While smaller in scale than larger jurisdictions, the ACT’s cement, concrete and aggregates sector is strategically significant, underpinning major civic, transport, health and education infrastructure projects.
Demand in the Territory is shaped by continued urban infill, higher-density housing and public infrastructure investment, including light rail expansion and upgrades to health and education facilities.
CCAA CEO Michael Kilgariff said delivering the ACT’s infrastructure and housing program will depend on reliable and well-coordinated supply of heavy construction materials.
“If construction materials supply is disrupted, whether through global shocks, fuel constraints or planning bottlenecks, the impacts are clear: delayed projects, rising costs and increased pressure on housing affordability,” Mr Kilgariff said.
“Major transport, civic and residential developments across Canberra all rely on consistent supply of cement, concrete and aggregates.
“As a city-state with no local cement production, the ACT depends heavily on efficient cross-border supply chains. Freight reliability and coordinated planning are therefore critical to keeping projects on track.”
The report highlights the importance of safeguarding access to quarry resources in surrounding regions, maintaining efficient freight connections and supporting sustainable construction practices.
Mr Kilgariff said recognising heavy construction materials as essential enabling infrastructure will be central to meeting the Territory’s growth and sustainability objectives.
“These materials are fundamental to delivering Canberra’s housing, transport and public infrastructure commitments,” he said.
“When governments set ambitious urban renewal and infrastructure targets, they must also plan for the cement, concrete and aggregates that make those commitments achievable.”
About us:
About CCAA
CCAA is the voice of Australia’s heavy construction materials industry, an industry that contributes $20.7 billion to GDP and supports 112,970 jobs nationwide. CCAA members produce most of Australia's cement, concrete and aggregates, which are essential to the nation’s building and construction sectors.
Contact details:
Contact: Mitch Itter, Manager Communications | 0431 542 660 | [email protected]