Construction Demand Spurs Strategic Planning
Western Australia’s record $44.3 billion Asset Investment Programme requires urgent long-term planning for construction materials, according to Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA). This significant investment is part of the 2026–27 State Budget, which includes major allocations for METRONET, health infrastructure, energy transition projects, regional development, ports, and water infrastructure.
In addition, the budget includes a record $4.7 billion aimed at boosting housing supply. This will drive sustained demand for heavy construction materials across the state. Efforts must focus on efficient approvals processes, supply chain coordination, and productivity reforms to support project delivery.
A potential 30% shortfall in heavy construction materials in the Perth/Peel region is a pressing concern. CCAA emphasises the need for urgent government action to address approval delays and improve freight efficiency. Protecting strategic quarry resources is critical to meeting future infrastructure demands.
Michael Kilgariff, CEO of CCAA, stated, “Western Australia’s transport, housing, renewable energy, and social infrastructure all depend on a sustainable supply of cement, concrete, and aggregates.” The cement, concrete, and aggregates industry contributes approximately $1.57 billion to Western Australia’s Gross State Product and supports more than 6,600 jobs statewide.
Collaboration for Sustainable Development
CCAA calls for the development of a coordinated Heavy Construction Materials Plan, including a detailed supply and demand study. This plan aims to ensure the availability of quarry resources and concrete batching infrastructure. The organisation advocates for government-industry collaboration to support lower carbon concrete and circular economy outcomes, aligning with the State’s decarbonization objectives.
Kilgariff added, “A well-planned and efficient heavy construction materials sector is essential to ensuring Western Australia can continue delivering the infrastructure, housing, and economic development needed to support a growing population and economy.” The WA State Government must act quickly to protect strategic quarry resources and reduce approval delays to ensure timely infrastructure project delivery. Improving freight efficiency is also necessary to support infrastructure delivery effectively.
Ongoing industrial development across the Western Trade Coast and major projects like Westport and AUKUS-related defence infrastructure further reinforce the need for a well-coordinated approach to material supply. As Western Australia’s infrastructure and housing pipeline grows, evolving planning, approvals, and procurement settings are critical to maintaining a reliable and affordable materials supply.
According to recent analysis, the construction sector is underpinned by a $175 billion industry. The cement, concrete, and aggregates sector plays a key role in this economic activity. As the state anticipates increased infrastructure and housing projects, strategic planning for materials supply becomes even more vital.
The record $44.3 billion WA Asset Investment Programme highlights the necessity for a comprehensive strategy in construction materials planning. The collaboration between government and industry is essential to sustaining economic growth and meeting infrastructure demands for the future.
Last updated: 8 May 2026, 2:21 am
