📂 Category Overview

Infrastructure – Construction (Non-Roads) Insights for Australian Local Councils – 2025

🏗️ Infrastructure – Construction (Non-Roads) Spend by Local Councils

Under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, $1 billion is being allocated over three years (2025–2028) to support critical community infrastructure projects. While part of this funding is earmarked for roads, councils also have flexibility to invest in non-road infrastructure, such as:

– Community centres

– Libraries

– Parks and recreational facilities

– Drainage and stormwater systems

– Public amenities and streetscaping

According to the Infrastructure Australia Annual Budget Statement 2025, local governments are increasingly prioritising resilience, sustainability, and community wellbeing in their infrastructure investments.

📊 Estimated Share of Spend

Infrastructure construction (excluding roads) typically accounts for 20–35% of total capital expenditure in many local councils. This varies depending on council size, location, and strategic priorities.

Urban councils may allocate more to community infrastructure and public space upgrades, while regional councils often focus on essential services and disaster resilience.

🔍 Strategic Priorities

– Climate resilience: Councils are investing in infrastructure that mitigates flood risk, improves drainage, and supports emergency response.

– Community-focused design: Projects are increasingly shaped by community consultation, with emphasis on accessibility, inclusion, and local identity.

– Sustainability: Councils seek suppliers who offer energy-efficient solutions, low-impact construction methods, and circular economy practices.

– Social procurement: Many councils favour suppliers who contribute to local employment, Indigenous engagement, and social enterprise partnerships. The LGCA Infrastructure – Construction category within Australian local government procurement encompasses a wide range of civil and building construction services. There are 16 subcategories that sit within this overarching category as listed below:

Infrastructure – Construction Sub-Categories Include:

🏗️ Building Construction Contractors
General and specialist construction services for public buildings and facilities.

🧱 Building Construction General Materials
Supply of essential materials including timber, steel, bricks, and prefabricated components.

🧪 Concrete Corrosion
Services and products aimed at preventing or repairing damage caused by concrete degradation.

🔧 Concrete Cutting & Coring
Precision services for modifying or preparing concrete structures.

🚚 Concrete Supply and Services
Ready-mix concrete, pumping, and finishing services for civil and structural works.

🧨 Demolition and Land Clearing Services
Safe removal of existing structures and preparation of sites for new development.

🌊 Dredging Services
Maintenance and deepening of waterways, harbours, and stormwater channels.

🛠️ Drilling, Boring & Piling Services
Ground preparation and foundation services for major infrastructure projects.

⛏️ Earthworks & Excavation
Bulk earthmoving, trenching, and site grading for roads, buildings, and utilities.

🪨 Marine & River Materials
Supply of materials for coastal and inland waterway construction, including rock, sand, and geotextiles.

🚤 Marine & River Services
Construction and maintenance of jetties, seawalls, and flood mitigation infrastructure.

🪑 Office Fit Out
Interior construction and furnishing of council offices and public service buildings.

🏢 Refurbishment Services
Upgrades and renovations to existing council assets to improve functionality and compliance.

💧 Water Cartage & Distribution
Services for transporting and distributing water for construction and emergency use.

🛢️ Water Tanks
Supply and installation of water storage solutions for public facilities and parks.

🔩 Welding & Metal Fabrication
Custom metalwork for structural components, signage, fencing, and public infrastructure.

This category is critical to the development and maintenance of community assets and is often one of the largest areas of local government expenditure. 

🧰 Key Capabilities Expected from Suppliers

To be competitive in this category, suppliers should provide evidence of capability in the following areas:

1. Technical Competence

• Proven experience in delivering similar infrastructure projects.
• Skilled workforce with relevant certifications (e.g., White Card, trade licenses).
• Capability to manage subcontractors and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.

2. Compliance and Accreditation

• Compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation and systems (ISO 45001 preferred where appropriate).
• Environmental management systems (ISO 14001 preferred where appropriate).
• Quality assurance systems (ISO 9001 or equivalent where appropriate).
• Public liability, WorkCover and professional indemnity and other appropriate insurance.

3. Sustainability and Innovation

• Use of sustainable materials and low-emission construction practices.
• Waste minimisation and recycling strategies.
• Innovative construction materials, methods and practices that reduce time and cost.

4. Local Economic Contribution

• Engagement of local subcontractors and suppliers.
• Employment of local workers and apprentices.
• Support for Indigenous participation and social procurement goals.

5. Project Management and Communication

• Strong project planning and scheduling capabilities.
• Transparent reporting and communication with council stakeholders.
• Ability to manage, communicate and actively mitigate risks.

---

📋 Procurement Methods Used by Councils

Local governments use a variety of procurement models depending on project size and complexity 

• Traditional Contracting: Design-bid-build approach; common for straightforward projects.
• Design and Construct (D&C): Contractor responsible for both design and construction.
• Panel Arrangements: Pre-qualified suppliers for ongoing or recurring works.
• Public Tenders: Open or selective tenders for major projects.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): For large-scale, long-term infrastructure investments.

✅ Tips for Suppliers to Maximise Success

1. Register on LGCA and complete your Request to Qualify

Ensure your business is listed on LGCA’s National Local Government Supplier Register (NLGSR), making the most of your LGCA NLGSR Supplier profile page to increase your chances of getting Local Government opportunities.

2. Understand Local Government Priorities
   Tailor your proposals to align with council goals such as sustainability, community benefit, and local employment.
3. Build Relationships
   Attend council briefings and industry forums to understand upcoming opportunities.
4. Demonstrate Value Beyond Price
   Councils assess value-for-money, not just lowest cost. Highlight your reliability, innovation, and community impact.
5. Stay Informed –
   Monitor LGCA and council websites for upcoming tenders and procurement changes.