Strategic Zones to Protect Quarry Resources
On April 25th, 2026, the Victorian Government announced new Strategic Extractive Resource Areas (SERAs) at Lang Lang, Oaklands Junction, and Trafalgar. These areas are designed to protect access to vital quarry resources necessary for construction projects throughout the state. Victoria’s heavy construction materials industry significantly contributes to the state’s economy, generating $3.17 billion in Gross State Product and supporting over 15,600 jobs. The new SERAs will play a crucial role in ensuring the steady supply of materials needed for housing, schools, hospitals, and major infrastructure projects.
According to Michael Kilgariff, Chief Executive Officer of Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), “This is a practical step to help secure the materials Victoria needs to deliver its housing and infrastructure pipeline.” He explained that the decision builds on the state’s Extractive Resources Joint Ministerial Statement. The CCAA emphasises the importance of coordinated planning to support reliable and efficient supply.
Planning for Future Growth
The introduction of SERAs represents a coordinated planning effort to manage land use pressures while protecting strategically important resources. By identifying and safeguarding these areas, the government offers certainty for industry and planners regarding extraction locations. The local sourcing of construction materials is crucial for maintaining efficiency and managing costs, which aids in the affordable delivery of housing and infrastructure.
Michael Kilgariff further stated, “Having clear, well-defined resource areas helps avoid future constraints and supports more consistent supply over time.” SERAs also play a key role in managing competing land use demands as Victoria’s population and economy continue to grow. Planning ahead in this way helps protect access to strategically important resources before they are repurposed for other uses. This proactive approach ensures the continued delivery of homes and infrastructure that the community expects.
The CCAA anticipates ongoing collaboration with the Victorian Government and industry stakeholders to support sustainable planning frameworks. These frameworks are essential for maintaining a reliable construction materials sector, responding to the increasing demand for building materials as Victoria develops further. The Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement, highlighting their importance in supporting the long-term supply of construction materials across the state.
By securing these resource areas, Victoria aims to protect its economic interests and ensure that materials needed for construction are readily available. This move is expected to have a long-term positive impact on the state’s infrastructure projects and housing developments.
