CCAA urges governments to rethink the resilience of transport infrastructure

Cement, Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), the peak body for Australia’s heavy construction materials industry, is calling on all levels of government to protect local communities by ensuring critical infrastructure is built from the most resilient materials possible.

The recent heavy rain and floods in Queensland and New South Wales have wreaked havoc on older style bridges while roads are marred by potholes that are damaging vehicles and leaving drivers with expensive repair bills.

CCAA chief executive officer Ken Slattery said transport infrastructure was the lifeline that communities depend on, especially in times of crisis.

Slattery continued: “Given that scientists are increasingly warning that climate change will bring more frequent and extreme weather events – such as floods and bushfires – governments must insist that roads, bridges, and related transport infrastructure are designed to withstand these events, and this means that they must be built from the most resilient materials possible.

“Focusing on resilience will help futureproof that infrastructure, allowing it to continue to operate during times of crisis, as well as reduce the cost of repairs and the amount of rebuilding required after major natural events.

“The 2019 bushfires and the recent floods in NSW and Queensland are just the latest examples of the havoc extreme weather events can play on the infrastructure that local communities rely on.

“That’s why governments need to step up and ensure that when we’re building roads and bridges for the future, that they are made from materials that are the most robust and resilient so that they can withstand whatever nature throws at them.”

Slattery noted before local councils, state, and federal governments signed off on infrastructure projects, they must satisfy themselves that they are designed with resilience in mind and constructed with the most robust and resilient materials available.

He added: “They should be asking, ‘how can we make this road resilient’, so it doesn’t end up potholed or even washed away after days of heavy rain.

“Similarly, when it comes to building bridges, they must be built from materials that will ensure the bridge is still standing even if it ends up being completely submerged by floodwaters.”

Slattery said resilient infrastructure means better access for emergency service workers, food supplies, and medical care to local communities hit by natural disasters or extreme weather events.

“These intense fires and floods are going to keep happening, the evidence for that is becoming clear.

“Anything we can do to help communities better withstand these intense weather events of the future will help save lives and allow our communities to bounce back faster.”

Full interview here on ABC News.

Cement, Concrete & Aggregates Australia has strengthened its support of the heavy construction materials industry with the appointment of a National Sustainability Manager.

Mr Joel Clayton has recently joined CCAA in this newly created role.

CCAA CEO Ken Slattery says Joel’s appointment aligns with the industry’s commitment to work towards decarbonisation across the value chain.

“Concrete is the world’s most widely used building and construction material and plays a vital role in creating resilient built environments that are sustainable for life,” Mr Slattery says.

“With demand for quality infrastructure growing, the demand for concrete will also grow, reinforcing the importance of the industry’s ambition of delivering net zero carbon cement and concrete to Australian society by 2050.”

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Australia’s most popular construction material has a new brand identity.

Concrete. Futureproof your build™ is the centrepiece of a new brand direction developed by CCAA and its foundation member companies, to reinforce the reasons why concrete is the construction material of choice in the Australian market. The new Branding approach focuses on the specifier, architect and consumer having the  confidence that by using concrete they are Futureproofing their build and Futureproofing Australia. It is supported by a suite of resources, including a fresh new Brand Logo, dedicated website, video, brochures, social media platforms and case studies. CCAA CEO Ken Slattery says Concrete. Futureproof your build™ is a powerful, succinct summation of what concrete delivers for customers and users – be they homeowners, residential builders or major construction companies and their private and public sector clients.

“Whether it’s the family home, a high-rise development, hospitals, schools, roads, dams or bridges, there’s a reason why concrete continues to be used so widely,” Mr Slattery says. “New building products and processes may come and go. But with concrete, there’s no question marks. If it’s built from concrete, it’s Futureproof and built to last.” The new brand is supported by three message themes – Concrete. Design and Build with Confidence, Concrete. Sustainable for Life and Concrete. Solid, Safe and Lasting – that together cover the breadth of benefits that flow from specifying and using concrete.

“Sustainability, for example, is a story that tends to be overlooked. Concrete is 100 per cent recyclable, is manufactured using recycled & recyclable materials, and is a very Whole-OfLife Sustainable choice. It also has fantastic thermal qualities that can help reduce the operating costs of homes and buildings.” Mr Slattery says.

Adds CCAA Marketing Director Diane Niu: “Concrete. Futureproof your build™ reflects Concrete’s leadership in helping you to Futureproof your build and importantly Futureproof Australia.”

Media Release | Website | Concrete Roads Case Studies