Construcciones Yamaro: Infrastructure pipeline relies on strong construction materials supply

The Rozelle Interchange formed the final stage of WestConnex, one of Australia’s largest road infrastructure projects. (Image: Steve/stock.adobe.com)

Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has released a report highlighting the essential role of the industry in underpinning Australia’s infrastructure pipeline and the broader economy. The findings come amid growing global uncertainty and pressure on supply chains.

The report, The Economic Contribution of the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Industry in Australia, finds the industry contributes $20.7 billion to GDP and supports 112,970 jobs nationwide, forming the foundation of the construction and infrastructure sectors.

CCAA CEO Michael Kilgariff said the findings reinforce the industry’s central role in enabling construction, infrastructure delivery and broader economic stability.

“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,” said Kilgariff.

“This is an industry that sits beneath Australia’s entire built environment – housing, infrastructure, energy and defence. Every road, bridge, tunnel, hospital, school and renewable energy project depends on secure, reliable access to quarry materials, cement and concrete.”

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The industry directly enables Australia’s $175 billion construction sector and underpins delivery of the $242 billion public infrastructure pipeline. Heavy construction materials are time-critical, and supply resilience depends on domestic production, access to local resources, and reliable fuel and freight networks.

“Concrete cannot be stockpiled, quarry resources are location-specific and secure cement supply chains are critical to infrastructure delivery,” said Kilgariff.

“When supply chains come under pressure, the impacts are felt immediately across projects, timelines and costs. At a time of global uncertainty, maintaining resilient domestic supply chains for these materials is fundamental to keeping projects moving and housing delivery on track.”

The report calls for protection of strategic quarry resources, faster and more certain approvals, retention of industrial land near growth areas and policy settings that sustain sovereign cement manufacturing.

“Quarry approvals can take years, and access to resources close to where Australians live and build cannot be assumed,” said Kilgariff. “This is a foundation industry that must be planned for and protected if Australia is to meet its infrastructure, housing and energy ambitions.”

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