Report identifies VIC’s future resource needs

Victoria’s demand for quarry resources for infrastructure construction is set to double by 2050, according to a new report from State Minister for Resources.

The landmark report, launched by Minister for Resources Wade Noonan this week, identified that the state’s protected population growth and urban development over the coming decades will drive strong demand for nearly 90 million tonnes of stone, sand, clay and other materials annually. This is up from the 46 million tonnes needed in 2015.

The Victorian Government commissioned the expert study to examine the state’s future need for resources and to forecast where supplies are likely to come from to best meet this demand.

The report, Extractive Resources in Victoria: Demand and Supply Study 2015-2050, compares the location of current and potential future quarry sites by local government area, with their proximity to high growth corridors and centres in the state.

It identified 15 local government areas which are likely to be important in efficiently supplying growth areas across Melbourne and the state’s regional centres. These include Knox, Cardinia, Mitchell, Greater Geelong and South Gippsland.

Areas of greatest future demand were identified as Melbourne, Hume, Casey, Wyndham and Whittlesea.

To keep building costs down, the report identifies the importance of sourcing the raw resources as close as possible to the construction sites.

“With Victoria’s population expected to reach 10 million by 2051, we are doing our homework now so that we can build the future houses, schools, hospitals, roads, railways, and work places Victorians will need,” said Mr. Noonan in a statement.

“Through this study we now have a clear roadmap of how much raw materials are needed and where they are located to help build Victoria over the coming decades.”