Queensland has $127.5 billion in engineering construction planned over the next five years. That’s a significant number, and it presents a lot of opportunity for subcontractors who understand how to win bids for these projects and deliver the work profitably.
As the largest platform for connecting builders with subcontractors, we’ve put together some helpful information for those looking to understand how to tender in Queensland.
What are Queensland’s upcoming construction opportunities?
Queensland’s major project pipeline is the main source of opportunity for subbies as the State Budget has committed $116.8 billion to infrastructure over four years.
Population growth, the energy transition, and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are the main drivers of this building push, with the following breakdowns:
- Engineering work – 42.4%
- Non-residential building – 29.4%
- Residential – 28.2%
With all of this potential, another important statistic should be mentioned: construction insolvencies hit 2,636 in March 2025, a 23% increase on the prior year. There is plenty of work available in Queensland, and for those businesses that want to survive and even grow, tendering is the primary pathway.
How does construction tendering work in Queensland?
The tendering process in Queensland can vary depending on the size of the project, but it is always structured so builders can receive and assess competing offers for specific packages of work. We’ve broken a standard Queensland tendering process into five general stages to make it easy to understand:
- Stage 1: Finding the work
The process begins with a Request for Quote (RFQ) for smaller scopes, or a Request for Tender (RFT) for larger, more complex packages. If the tender is running through a platform like E1 (EstimateOne), subcontractors across trades will see live opportunities and bid for projects that match their trade.
- Stage 2: Document review
Once a tender worth pursuing has been found, the tender package, which can often include design drawings, a pricing schedule, and technical specifications, should be properly reviewed. The goal is a proper understanding of the requested work, along with identification of any scope gaps. You can often submit Requests for Information (RFIs), and we strongly recommend doing this to protect yourself from scope creep. Quality questions also show that you’re a professional outfit.
- Stage 3: Preparing your estimate
An inaccurate estimate can be business-ending. Your estimate must account for labour costs, equipment hire, site setup and supervision overheads, and a realistic profit margin. We recommend estimating software to ensure the project fits your capacity and cost base (do this before investing too many hours preparing a quote).
- Stage 4: Submitting a tender
A late submission is almost always a disqualified one. Professionally present your bid and include all required documentation (be sure to include a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management Plan). Queensland’s regulatory environment is made easier for builders who have access to project-specific, detailed safety documents from their subcontractors. We classify this as beneficial non-price criteria, and it carries weight.
- Stage 5: Winning bid selection
Bids will be evaluated on price, technical capability, and track record. Successful bidders typically enter a negotiation phase to finalise scope and contract terms. If you are unsuccessful, try to understand why so you can improve on the next one.
What is Queensland’s procurement policy?
The Queensland Procurement Policy (QPP) applies to government contracts and sets the rules for how they are evaluated. Subcontractors working in the public sector supply chain are required to demonstrate alignment with these five policy pillars:
- Value for Queensland
- Local Opportunities
- Easy to Do Business
- Open to New Ideas
- Practical Economic, Environmental and Social Impact
These pillars essentially exist to move away from “lowest price wins” procurement. For procurements above $500,000, non-price criteria can account for 10% to 20% of the total evaluation weighting. Government agencies are also mandated to direct 30% of total procurement value to SMEs and 3% to Indigenous businesses.
When applying for government tenders, Queensland wants you to demonstrate your local economic contribution. How many local apprentices will you employ? What percentage of your materials comes from Queensland suppliers? What does your environmental footprint look like?
Your answers here can be the deciding factor in whether you win or lose a contract. Social value is a competitive advantage.
What is Queensland’s BIF Act?
The Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (BIF Act) gives every subcontractor operating in Queensland the right to serve a payment claim for work performed.
To be valid, a payment claim must be in writing, identify the construction work completed, state the amount claimed, and request payment. If this sounds somewhat like a standard invoice, the good news is, it is. Invoicing satisfies the Biff Act requirements as long as they contain the previously mentioned information.
Claims must be served on or after a “reference date,” which is typically specified in the contract for progress claims, or the last day of each month if no date is specified.
Builders must pay in full or issue a payment schedule within 15 business days, and a fast-track dispute resolution process is available for unpaid work. This is a handy layer of protection for subbies working across the state on projects of all sizes.
What are Project Trust Accounts in Queensland?
The Project Trust Account (PTA) regime covers private and local government projects and requires subcontractors who withhold payments from their own sub-subcontractors to maintain separate retention trust accounts.
Any money held in these trust accounts is restricted, and it is important to understand the administrative obligations and whether or not they apply to you. Currently, the regime applies to projects over $3 million.
Approaching tendering as a business discipline
There is plenty of opportunity in Queensland tendering over the next decade, and investing in time and technology to estimate accurately and discover the right opportunities will serve your business well.
Build a strong digital presence on platforms like E1, find or attract selective high-value work, and invest in your tendering strategy. There is no ceiling on your potential growth if you do.
Alexander
Green
General Manager - Subcontractors
