Focus on Planning and Infrastructure Reforms

Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has expressed support for the Federal Government’s directive for the Productivity Commission to examine regulatory systems affecting housing supply across Australia. This announcement was made on 28th May 2026.

The cement, concrete, and aggregates industry contributes $20.7 billion to GDP and supports 112,970 jobs nationwide. The industry views this inquiry as a crucial step in addressing significant planning and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Michael Kilgariff, CEO of CCAA, stated, “The inquiry is a critical opportunity to address planning, approvals, and infrastructure bottlenecks that are constraining housing delivery, raising costs, and reducing construction productivity.”

Australia’s $175 billion construction sector and $242 billion public infrastructure pipeline depend on this industry. CCAA highlights the need for regulatory reforms to ensure these sectors continue to thrive.

Industry’s Call for Regulatory Reform

CCAA emphasises the importance of secure access to construction materials, efficient freight networks, and planning systems that recognise the importance of quarry resources and concrete batching infrastructure for timely housing delivery.

The association calls for reforms to reduce duplication, improve consistency across jurisdictions, and establish clearer frameworks to support faster approvals and greater investment certainty.

Kilgariff further commented, “Without better coordination across jurisdictions, streamlined approval pathways, and improved infrastructure planning, Australia risks increasing costs, delaying projects, and placing further pressure on housing supply.”

The inquiry will focus on approval processes, land availability, and infrastructure delivery. This focus aligns with the long-standing barriers identified by the industry.

Recent analysis by Oxford Economics Australia underscores the industry’s importance, noting its critical role in supporting national economic growth and infrastructure development. Australia’s growing population further exacerbates the demand for housing, making regulatory efficiency crucial.

CCAA’s advocacy for regulatory reform aims to ensure a nationally consistent framework that boosts investment certainty and accelerates housing delivery across Australia. The organisation believes that addressing these regulatory issues is vital for the future of the construction industry and the country’s economy.

Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:58 am