CCAA Heavy Vehicle Workshop Brings Industry Together to Address Key Sector Challenges

Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) hosted its National Heavy Vehicle Workshop on 19–20 May in Brisbane, bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, regulators, and technical experts to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping heavy vehicle operations across the cement, concrete, and aggregates sector.

The two-day workshop focused on four core themes - productivity, safety, decarbonisation and workforce attraction and retention. Participants collaborated to identify and prioritise practical reform opportunities across these areas.

The program featured updates on regulatory reforms, discussions on leveraging new technologies to improve productivity, and insights into the sector’s transition toward decarbonisation. Participants also contributed ideas and identified priority actions to address key industry challenges.

ISA was represented by Senior Engagement Manager Camilla Elmes and Project Manager Paul Humphreys, who contributed to discussions on workforce priorities. Camilla also presented on the Addressing Heavy Vehicle Driver Shortages project, including the development of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Action Plan - an initiative aimed at building a more sustainable and skilled workforce pipeline for the sector.

Several members of the project’s Steering Committee also attended, including David Rynne from CCAA, Robert Elliott from Holcim and Coralie Chapman from Humes and Chair of Transport Women Australia Ltd. 

Key workforce-related insights from the workshop included:

• The need to rebrand and improve promotion of careers in the industry, including stronger engagement with schools and young people
• Increased use of structured training programs such as apprenticeships and traineeships
• Greater investment in leadership and supervisor training to support workforce development
• Improving workplace conditions, offering flexible work models, and creating clear career progression pathways to strengthen retention

The workshop reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration between industry and government to address shared challenges and support long-term sector sustainability. Insights and priorities identified during the sessions will contribute to the development of a CCAA Heavy Vehicle Industry Agenda, expected to guide future policy and reform initiatives.

Congratulations to CCAA for delivering a successful workshop and facilitating these meaningful conversations.