Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has written to the Federal Government and all State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers, calling for the heavy construction materials industry to be formally recognised as an essential industry under any fuel prioritisation or rationing framework.
The call comes amid growing concerns about fuel supply disruptions and the potential for diesel rationing, which would have immediate consequences for Australia's construction supply chain, housing delivery and major infrastructure projects.
CCAA Chief Executive Officer Michael Kilgariff said the heavy construction materials industry underpins the nation's economy and must be prioritised to ensure continuity of supply.
"The heavy construction materials industry is the first link in Australia's construction supply chain. Without reliable access to fuel, the production and delivery of essential materials like cement, concrete and aggregates cannot continue at the scale required," he said.
The heavy construction materials industry contributes $20.7 billion to GDP and supports more than 112,000 jobs nationally, while underpinning Australia's $175 billion construction sector and $242 billion public infrastructure pipeline.
"If fuel access is constrained, the impacts will be immediate and cascading — delaying housing and infrastructure projects, increasing costs across the economy, and significantly affecting regional communities that rely on local supply chains," Mr Kilgariff said.
"The industry relies heavily on diesel-powered equipment and transport across quarrying, cement manufacturing, concrete production and freight. Any disruption to fuel supply directly affects the sector's ability to maintain production and deliver materials to construction sites nationwide."
CCAA has called on governments to:
- formally recognise the heavy construction materials industry as essential under any fuel prioritisation or rationing framework
- prioritise access to diesel for quarrying, manufacturing and construction materials freight operations
- engage with industry to ensure contingency planning reflects the operational requirements of the sector
Mr Kilgariff said recognising the sector as essential is critical to maintaining economic activity, supporting housing supply and ensuring the timely delivery of infrastructure.
"This is not just an industry issue — it is a national economic priority. Ensuring continued operation of our sector is fundamental to keeping construction moving, supporting jobs and delivering the housing and infrastructure Australia needs," he said.
CCAA stands ready to work constructively with governments to ensure fuel security planning supports the continued operation of this critical industry.
About us:
About CCAA CCAA is the voice of Australia's heavy construction materials industry, an industry that generates over $15 billion annually and directly employs 30,000 Australians, with a further 80,000 employed indirectly. CCAA members produce most of Australia's cement, concrete, and aggregates, which are essential to the nation's building and construction sectors.
