State of Play (Issue 25)

Gippsland:
The word around the industry for this region is that rock and sand sales have stabilized over the past 12 months. The future outlook for the region is extremely promising. West Gippsland Water have announced that plans are underway for the building of a Water Factory in the Morwell region, this will supply recycled water to Australian Paper and various industrial businesses within the district will benefit through this project. A vast amount of sand and rock will be incorporated into this project. Other major projects include the extension of the Hazelwood Mine and another power station. Within the next 3 years the oil from coal project is expected to move into full gear. Estates are continuing to be developed and road materials are in demand.
Bobbie Symons, Symons Sand Supplies

Melbourne: We are buoyed at the present business growth rate in the south east corridor of the metropolitan area. Projects such as the East Link, Pakenham Bypass and considerable new subdivisional work has ensured a more than steady increase in business opportunities within our industry. The East Link project alone has provided a boom period for those in the transport industry with over 200 truck and trailers required to complete this undertaking. We are prepared to gain the best results that these current opportunities present to us.
Andrew Burdett, Burdett Sands

North East:
The Albury-Wodonga bypass is now up and running which has kept business in the area running at a steady flow throughout its development. The level of general industrial sub-division in the region has also been quite high recently. It seems that there will be a steady and continuous flow of work in the region for at least two years into the foreseeable future before the quantity of jobs start to plateau further down the track.
Maurice Adrien, Wodonga Quarries

North West:
Anecdotal evidence suggests general softening of activity levels compared to previous corresponding period of 12 months prior. Weakness is more evident amongst smaller customers who are geared towards residential activity where approvals and activity are off their highs. Civil and Government spending is likely to underpin demand over the short to medium term.
Mary Thompson, Tylden Quarries

South West:
It has been a steady start to 2006, and it is anticipated to continue with the dry weather upon us. Sealing programs are allocated and contracts are underway for the coming months. We look forward to the busy schedule ahead with local shires and contractors tendering for a number of VicRoads road works and creating crushed rock products to supply.
Raymond Walsh, Walsh Ballarat Quarries

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