Report into quarry material supplies for 2040

Action 41 of the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan commits government to ensuring the extractive industry assessment framework supports the sustainable supply of extractive resources.

Extractive resources, like sand, gravel, and hardrock are crucial for building the places where we live, work and play, and the roads on which we travel. The proximity of these resources to their point of use is vital for the cost-effective delivery of both public and private infrastructure.

To address this commitment, the Department of Resources partnered with the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia to commission the Queensland quarry demand and supply risks report (PDF, 4MB). The report, prepared by Oxford Economics Australia, analyses our quarry material supply and demand until 2040. The study considered statewide demand driven by public and private construction investment and supply based on the annual production data for existing quarries.

Report's findings

The report’s findings indicate that total demand (hardrock and sand) is forecast to increase from a peak of 56.4 million tonnes (Mt) in 2023–24 to 66.1Mt in 2029–30. This demand can be met by reserves in existing quarries. The analysis also shows that even with increasing demand, operating quarries will still hold approximately 2 billion tonnes of hardrock and 179Mt of sand reserves in 2039–40.

The study found that Environmentally Relevant Activity—prescribed thresholds under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019—are unlikely to constrain supply and that the impact of local government development application decisions is less clear due to the absence of readily available data.

Future studies

To ensure the sector’s continued capacity to meet increasing demand for extractive materials, Resources will conduct a biennial market capacity study. The next study will commence in 2025–26. Resources will expand data sets collected from quarry operators to enhance future supply side analysis.

For more information email resourcespolicy@resources.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: 18 July 2024
Last reviewed: 18 July 2024