Key Facts:
- South Australian Government introduces fast-tracked heavy freight reforms, including 100 new network maps and increased payload capacity
- Reforms allow higher-capacity vehicles with quad-axle trailer configurations, increasing payloads by 13% and reducing fuel use by 18% per tonne
- Changes will benefit heavy construction materials sector by improving delivery efficiency, costs and reliability
- Reforms developed in consultation with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and industry stakeholders to maintain safety standards
- CCAA supports the changes and encourages other jurisdictions to adopt similar measures nationwide
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has welcomed the South Australian Government's fast-tracked heavy freight reforms, which will boost productivity and reduce fuel consumption across the state's freight network.
The Malinauskas Government has announced immediate changes to expand access for more efficient truck and trailer configurations, including the introduction of 100 new network maps and increased payload capacity for key freight routes. CCAA Chief Executive Officer Michael Kilgariff said the reforms demonstrate the value of targeted improvements to freight settings that unlock capacity within the existing network.
"These changes are about getting more out of the infrastructure we already have," Mr Kilgariff said.
"Improving access to higher-productivity vehicles allows operators to move freight more efficiently, reducing fuel intensity and lowering operating costs across supply chains."
The South Australian Government has stated the reforms will allow higher-capacity vehicles, including quad-axle trailer configurations for B-Doubles, increasing payloads by up to 13 per cent and reducing fuel use by up to 18 per cent per tonne of freight.
Mr Kilgariff said the reforms would deliver tangible benefits for industries that depend on the timely movement of heavy materials.
"For the heavy construction materials sector, freight efficiency directly influences project costs, timelines and reliability of supply," he said.
"Measures that improve payload capacity and network access help ensure materials can be delivered where they're needed, when they're needed."
Mr Kilgariff said the announcement also reflects recommendations CCAA has been advocating for at a national level.
"These reforms align with the practical measures CCAA put forward in our January submission to the NTC, focused on improving freight productivity while maintaining strong safety outcomes," he said.
CCAA noted the reforms were developed in consultation with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and industry stakeholders, ensuring safety remains a core consideration.
"This is a considered approach that balances productivity gains with safety and network capability," Mr Kilgariff said.
"It also reinforces the opportunity for other jurisdictions to adopt similar reforms that support more efficient freight movement nationwide.
"CCAA looks forward to working with governments on long term reforms that improve productivity, support decarbonisation and reduce the cost of delivering essential construction materials."
About us:
About CCAA CCAA is the voice of Australia's heavy construction materials industry, an industry that contributes $20.7 billion to GDP and supports 112,970 jobs nationwide. CCAA members produce most of Australia's cement, concrete and aggregates, which are essential to the nation's building and construction sectors.
