Frequently asked questions
How can I find tenders for my region without having to go through the tenders for the entire State?
There is a map of Queensland on the home page of this website and it is divided into regions. It is planned that in mid May 2009, the tenders for each region will be displayed simply by clicking on that region in the map.
Does the Department of Public Works (DPW) have a list of all upcoming projects and a schedule of when they are likely to be required?
All projects must be approved by the Australian Government. As this happens, the details of projects being tendered will be available on the Project Services website at
www.projectservices.qld.gov.au. Once tenders are awarded details of the project and the successful tenderer will also be posted. Visit the Project Services website regularly for the latest information.
Is the Department of Communities (Housing) interested in buying completed unit developments from developers?
Yes. The Department of Communities is interested in speaking with developers who are in possession of completed unit developments that have never been occupied. Developers in this position are encouraged to visit www.publicworks.qld.gov.au and submit a response to the Request for Offer. If the development is deemed suitable by the department, the developer will be contacted promptly.
Developments must meet criteria as set out by the Department of Communities which is specific to the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan. Whilst the usual strict social housing requirements will not apply, completed unit developments must fall within specific guidelines as outlined by the department.
Is the Department of Communities (Housing) interested in entering unit, duplex and housing development agreements with developers?
Yes. The Department of Communities is interested in speaking with developers who already have land and would like to put forward proposals to construct new unit, duplex or detached housing developments. The department has a preference for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 one and/or two bedroom unit complexes or detached duplexes, 4 and 5 bedroom houses.
In the first round of projects the department is willing to relax some of these preferences if a development falls within the Department of Communities social housing guidelines.
When development proposals are deemed suitable, the Department of Communities will purchase the land from the developer and enter into a development agreement. Progress payments will be made to the developer as construction of the development is carried out. Upon completion of the development, the Department of Communities will be the sole owner of the newly constructed property.
Will private schools be entitled to receive any funding for educational facilities throughout this plan?
Private schools can make applications for funding through the Block Grant Authority within the Department of Education and Training (DET). DET will not be involved in the tender process for projects being carried out in private schools however institutions that do receive a grant will be required to report back to the department and provide an account on its use of funds.
How does the Department of Public Works propose to double the output of housing, given the difficulty in the development approval process in some Local Government areas?
There are 2 major streams of work that will be carried out under this Plan. The first is education and the second is housing. For education, works will be carried out in state schools which are already designated and generally do not require Local Government planning approvals. Private schools that are not designated will require Local Government planning approvals.
For the housing projects, the turn key approach is being used however, as homes will not be built on state government owned land. Draft applications will be required to be processed for these developments. The state government may choose to speed up any draft application through mechanisms available in the application of legislation, if it is deemed necessary.
What does the Department of Communities (Housing) mean by the term ‘Turn Key’?
Turn Key is a completed residential accommodation project and land package. The Department of Communities will consider any proposals for these packages but have a preference for one and two bedroom units in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 unit complexes. However, the department will consider larger complexes in the first round.
House/land projects are residential blocks with completed houses. The department is particularly interested in duplexes, 4 bedroom and 5 bedroom homes that have a modest standard level of finish.
The Department of Communities does not generally consider air-conditioning, dishwashers, swimming pools and media rooms as appropriate inclusions in proposed developments.
My draft application for 43 building blocks has been approved but the local council is not forthcoming in providing a sewerage connection. Is the Department of Public Works still interested in considering developments with minor issues like this one?
Yes. Developers in this position are encouraged to visit www.publicworks.qld.gov.au and submit a response to the Request for Offer. If the planned development fits into the guidelines as set out by the Department of Communities, the state may be able to assist in resolving minor issues through mechanisms available in the application of legislation.
How long is the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan expected to last, and what involvement will the Department of Public Works have in its delivery?
The Australian Government’s Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan has a time frame of approximately 3 and a half years and it is expected that all allocated funds will be spent within that period.
The responsibility of the Department of Public Works throughout this Plan is to oversee the procurement of the planned works however private business and industry will deliver all projects. The Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Package is aimed at the private sector to stimulate the economy and create employment. Queensland Government business units such as Project Services and QBuild will not be directly involved in project delivery, except where there is market failure.
Is the Department of Communities (Housing) concerned about the creation of very dense areas of public housing?
No. The Department of Communities supports an approach that ensures that public housing is spread across a range of residential areas throughout Queensland. Further, there will be no mass densification in social housing built under the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan.
With the numbers of contractors and suppliers on the pre-qualification register increasing, how will the Department of Public Works prevent too many people tendering for the same job?
The department’s view is that if you are pre-qualified then you should be given the opportunity to tender. In some instances there will be select tendering but it is the department’s intention to maximise the participation of local contractors and suppliers within the project drawing area. Select tender processes, when used, will involve inviting contractors and suppliers to tender depending on their predetermined pre-qualification level and preferred area of operation.
With many tenderers on each project, contractors and suppliers may experience difficulty in gaining reliable pricing. How will the Department of Public Works ensure that the tender process provides a fair opportunity for all tenderers?
As the program evolves, there will be a number of elements that the department will develop to make the procurement process easier whilst still keeping it fair.
How will the Department of Public Works manage maintenance programs for both schools and housing?
There will be no maintenance program for schools under the Plan. The $80 million housing maintenance program will be managed by QBuild. Contractors who wish to participate in the maintenance program must first register with QBuild.
Does the prequalification include sub-contractors as well as the head contractors?
No, only the head contractors have to be PQC qualified. The only sub-contractors that are pre-qualified are those in high end engineering services. Most sub-contractor work will be filtered through head contractors.
Does full land ownership have to be obtained prior to submitting Turn Key proposals by the deadline on 31st May?
At the moment, the Department of Communities will look at any proposal and will make considerations on submissions that are made prior to the deadline on 31st May. The department is on the look out for proposals that roughly fit the description of modest development. Based on current trends, the department will generally buy land up front if they find a development they are interested in. If the department is prepared to buy land, an independent assessment on the market value will be carried out. Upon satisfaction of all parties on that assessment, progress payments would be made as work on the project continues.
The department will also consider the purchase of partially completed developments.
Can you tell me if $12 million is the correct value for social housing for 2009?
The correct value of funding for social housing in Queensland under the Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan for the 2008/2009 financial year is $12 million. The anticipated expenditure in 2009/2010 is in the order of $800 million. The ratio of these amounts allocated to each region will depend on the register of need held by the Department of Communities for those areas. At this stage the department will consider proposals from all regions.
I applied online for PQC registration and received a declined letter.
The pre-qualification team can be contacted by phoning 1800 072 621 and are available to discuss issues such as this one. There are specific terms and conditions which need to be met before pre-qualification can be granted.
The presentation made reference to schools and programs. Does that information include training services such as trainers and assessors?
No, only schools at the moment.
Last updated April 2009