Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down his fifth budget ‘Delivering for all Victorians’ yesterday in which the government committed a further $29.4 billion in building and improving roads and rail across the state on top of the $46 billion invested since 2014.
In 2019-20 alone, the government’s infrastructure investment will reach a record $14.2 billon averaging $13.4 billion over the budget and forward estimates.
With an average of 8 tonnes of stone, gravel and sand per Victorian every year, the 2019/20 Budget provides $13.2 million to ensure the state’s quarry resources continue to grow in vital areas, while maximising liveability and reducing the costs of infrastructure.
‘This is a tremendous outcome for the quarry sector in Victoria as the Government continues to invest in improving the capability of Earth Resources Regulation to approve new materials supply and for the Government to continue to develop Strategic Extractive Resource Areas (SERAs)’ said Brian Hauser, State Director for Victoria and Tasmania.
‘The development of new risk based approval guidelines last year supported by a more capable regulator will ensure both the community and industry will have greater confidence in the release of critical quarry materials supply to support the Government’s Big Build’ he said.
Pleasingly this Budget recognises the progress made to date and continues to invest in the future of a world class sustainable quarry sector for Victoria.
Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes MP said ‘Our resources sector is growing rapidly, and we’re making the industry more responsible while providing the materials we need to deliver the Andrews Labor Government’s infrastructure projects right across the state.’
CCAA welcomes the Government’s 2019-20 Budget that supports an established partnership between the quarry sector and the Government’s Big Build to ensure every infrastructure dollar is wisely spent to build an even better Victoria for the future.
Image credit: vic.gov.au
