New LGA Arrangement for Quarry Products and Geosynthetics

By Nicole Windley, Category Manager

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Local Government Areas (LGA) Arrangement, LB341 – Quarry Products and Geosynthetics, designed to streamline the procurement process for quarry products and geosynthetics. This new Arrangement replaces Local Buy’s four (4) regional Arrangements, as listed below, which have utilised all available extensions and are due to expire on the 15th  June 2025. The new Arrangement aims to support infrastructure projects by providing easy access to high-quality materials and services.

The four (4) regional Arrangements that end soon are:

• Supply & Delivery of Quarry Products, Geosynthetics (HDPE), Landscaping & Associated Materials:
  • LBR287 – South-East Queensland
  • LBR288 – Far North Queensland
  • LBR290 – North Queensland
  • LBR291 – Central Queensland

This new Quarry Products and Geosynthetics LGA Arrangement, aims to support councils and other approved purchasers in Queensland, and now the Northern Territory, by providing easy access to a diverse range of goods and services.

The new Arrangement covers four main categories:

• Quarry Products
• Cement & Supplementary Materials
• Ready-Mix Concrete
• Geosynthetics & Related Products

The Importance of Quarry Products

Quarry products play a crucial role in our daily lives and the economy. Quarry products like stone, gravel, and sand are essential for constructing buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Over 90% of a road consists of aggregates, and 80% of concrete used in homes is aggregate. They provide the foundation for transport networks, including roads, railways, and airports. Quarry products are vital for water and sewerage systems, ensuring clean water supply and effective waste management.

The Role of Cement & Supplementary Materials

Cement and supplementary materials are fundamental to modern construction and infrastructure. Cement acts as the primary binder in concrete, holding the aggregate together to form a solid, durable structure and is used in a wide range of applications. Cement-based concrete provides the necessary strength and durability to withstand various environmental conditions and loads. Supplementary Cement Materials (SCMs) like fly ash, slag, and silica fume are often by-products of industrial processes, reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of concrete production. SCMs improve the properties of concrete, such as increasing its strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attacks.

The Versatility and Benefits of Ready-Mix Concrete

Ready-mix concrete is a vital component in modern construction. Ready-mix concrete is produced in a controlled environment, ensuring each batch meets precise specifications. This consistency enhances the structural integrity and longevity of buildings and infrastructure. Although the initial cost may be higher, ready-mix concrete reduces overall expenses by minimising material waste, lowering labour costs, and eliminating the need for storage space for raw materials. It can be customised to meet specific project requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure projects.

Advancements in Geosynthetics

Geosynthetics are essential materials in modern construction and civil engineering. Geosynthetics, such as geogrids and geotextiles, enhance the strength and stability of soil, allowing for the construction of steeper slopes and higher embankments. They prevent the mixing of different soil types, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of roads, railways, and other infrastructure. They protect soil surfaces from erosion caused by water or wind, making them essential for coastal and riverbank protection.

Given the critical roles of these products and services in infrastructure projects, having a streamlined and reliable procurement process is vital. This ensures that the necessary materials are readily available when needed, minimising delays and disruptions in construction timelines. 

The LB341Arrangementsimplifies the procurement process by providing a Register of Pre-Qualified Suppliers (RPQS) who specialise in quarry products and geosynthetics. This ensures that councils, and other approved purchasers, can quickly and efficiently source the materials they need without going through lengthy tender processes each time.

The Arrangement also promotes the development of local and regional businesses by prioritising suppliers with a strong local presence. This not only supports the local economy but also ensures that councils, and other approved purchasers, are working with suppliers who understand the regional context and needs.

The initial term of the LB341 Arrangement is three (3) years, starting on 1 May 2025 and ending on 30 April 2028. There are two optional extension periods of up to three years each, providing flexibility and continuity for suppliers and purchasers.

The LB341 Arrangement is designed to support a wide range of infrastructure projects, from road construction to environmental protection initiatives. By providing easy access to high-quality quarry products and geosynthetics, Local Buy aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes for councils and other approved purchasers to have access to high-quality materials and services.

As we embark on this transformative journey from our four (4) regional quarry product Arrangements to the new LB341- Quarry Products and Geosynthetics Arrangement, we are not merely enhancing our Arrangement, we are setting a new standard for excellence and sustainability. By harnessing the power of top-tier suppliers of quarry products, cement, ready-mix concrete, and geosynthetics we are building resilient communities and fostering local economic growth.

The new LB341 Quarry Products and Geosynthetics Arrangement is set to launch on 1 May 2025, featuring a diverse array of prequalified suppliers for councils and other approved purchasers. Local Buy’s Active Arrangements process aims to expand this list quarterly (May, August, November & February), so if you are a supplier interested in joining, there's still time to get involved.

Visit Local Buy's official website or contact the Category Manager, Nicole Windley to learn more about the LB341 Arrangement for Quarry Products and Geosynthetics and how you can get involved.