A Concrete National Cycleway Will Save Jobs

Media release

12 March 2009

A Concrete National Cycleway Will Save Jobs

The concrete sector has welcomed the Government’s commitment to a national cycleway, and believes that concrete must be considered as a suitable construction material.

“The development of a bike route that spans the length of both islands will be a tremendous asset that tourists and New Zealanders can enjoy,” says Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) Chief Executive, Rob Gaimster.

“The cycleway also has the potential to save jobs in the New Zealand concrete industry, which is a significant employer. Current economic difficulties are taking their toll on the New Zealand concrete industry. Ready mixed concrete suppliers, and in turn concrete placers, are hurting.

“By using concrete to construct the cycleway the New Zealand Government will provide much-needed job security for a valuable industry,” said Mr Gaimster.

He said concrete is also ideal for such a project on a number of other levels.

“Not only is a cycleway paved with concrete the most appropriate option for the range of bicycle types popular in New Zealand, concrete is a locally sourced material that will require no maintenance over a long period,” says Mr Gaimster.

“Using concrete for the cycleway will save jobs in the short-term, and is the most cost-effective material in the long-term.”

ENDS

About the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ)

The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) is the recognised centre of excellence for cement and concrete technology, including promotion of the sector, training of industry members and influencers, and advocating best practice in the use of cement and concrete in New Zealand.

Representing in excess of 300 corporate and individual members throughout New Zealand, CCANZ advocates for best practice in the use of cement and concrete in the New Zealand marketplace by offering quality training and advice to the industry and its members.

The cement and concrete sector annually produces 1.5 million tonnes of cement in New Zealand, which equates to around 3.75 million cubic metres of concrete for new residential, non-residential and commercial construction.

In total, the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of the cement and concrete sector resulted in close to $7.5 billion of output across the economy in the year to March 2006. This activity supported more than 24,000 jobs and created a value add of about $2.8 billion – 2 percent of New Zealand’s GDP in 2006.

As an industry knowledge organisation, CCANZ is focusing attention on marketing technical information in a way that helps industry decision makers get the most out of concrete.

Those who seek CCANZ’s services include architects, designers, engineers and building contractors.

Concrete is the building material of the future, offering comfort, style and strength.

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