Building Queensland's Future

By Debbie Spann, Category Manager, Construction, Roads and Engineering Portfolio

As Queensland continues to experience exponential growth in population and urbanisation, the demand for housing and infrastructure has become more pressing than ever. Housing and construction have emerged as pivotal focus areas for all Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Queensland. The ever-increasing demand for housing, coupled with the imperative need to attract and retain more residents in the state's regions, underscores the importance of a robust strategy for housing development and infrastructure provision.

The Queensland Government has committed $300 million to the Works for Queensland Program for 2024-2027, aimed at supporting eligible councils to deliver specific projects essential for the development of liveable communities.

Local Buy has developed specific new building and construction Arrangements tailored for both residential and commercial projects with a bespoke suite of construction contracts, incorporating minor works, medium works, and major works. 

As the sector advanced, feedback from councils identified the requirement to separate road construction from water and sewerage works to align with council structure and projects. Therefore, we developed three new Arrangements specifically for road and civil construction, water and sewerage products, and water & sewerage infrastructure.

These arrangements are designed to address and fast-track the burgeoning housing and infrastructure demand, ensuring that Queensland communities have access to the vital amenities and facilities that are essential for creating liveable communities.

Two of the primary advantages of using Local Buy Arrangements are the streamlined procurement process and the opportunity to engage local pre-qualified suppliers. This means councils can expedite the delivery of vital infrastructure projects through an RFQ process without compromising on quality or budgetary constraints and having the option to secure local suppliers.

The Local Buy building, roads and water Arrangements are particularly well-suited to addressing the interconnected challenges of housing and infrastructure development. As more housing developments emerge, the need for complementary infrastructure becomes increasingly evident. From water and sewerage systems to parks, schools, hospitals, and public facilities, these Arrangements encompass a comprehensive approach to community development.

By engaging with Local Buy, councils and the whole of government can access a wide network of local pre-qualified suppliers who specialise in various facets of design, planning, construction and infrastructure development. This not only ensures that projects are completed to the highest standards but also fosters economic growth by supporting local businesses within the region.

Local Buy remains committed to empowering councils, and the whole of government, to deliver tangible benefits to their communities. The introduction of the new building, construction, roads and water Arrangements heralds a significant milestone in Queensland's journey towards addressing the housing and infrastructure demand. By harnessing the collective strength of councils and leveraging streamlined procurement processes, we are poised to make meaningful strides towards building liveable and thriving communities that Queenslanders deserve.

We look forward to working with the appointed pre-qualified suppliers and Queensland councils to help deliver vital infrastructure projects.

For more information, please contact Category Manager, Debbie Spann at dspann@lcoalbuy.net.au