PROJECT HIGHLIGHT Ripley Valley and QFES Albion

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT Ripley Valley and QFES Albion

by | Feb 17, 2026 | Commercial New Build, Education, Quantity Surveying

Project Highlight by Abtin Dolat and Zane Wolpers

For the past 6-months we have had the absolute privilege of working at Collaborative Cost Management as Cadet Quantity Surveyors. Our experience has been nothing short of remarkable, experiencing real world construction first hand whilst completing our university degrees at QUT. Working on the post contract team, we have assessed monthly progress claims and variations on both commercial and residential projects.
Reflecting on our time at CCM we have learned so much about construction in Queensland through hands on learning. Our favourite part of the job on the post-contract team would be the process of attending site to assess a projects progress every month, allowing us to assess and manage costs.
Out of the projects we have worked on, two stand out the most. These include Ripley Valley State Secondary College and the Albion Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Zane Wolpers:
Ripley Valley State Secondary College is currently expanding with a new general learning centre, car park, and construction court. The experience I have gained from this project is second to none. Whether I am completing monthly site inspections and progress claims or assessing a variation, I am learning every second I am on this job. Seeing all involved parties work together to maintain the progress of a project has opened my eyes to the extent of effort that goes into construction. I am excited to see the future progress of this project and the results that follow.

Abtin Dolat:
Queensland Fire Department Albion, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services headquarters currently under development in Albion. I joined the project midway, working under Liam Wood, and as my first public sector and large-scale project, it has been both challenging and rewarding. Being thrown into the deep end required me to find my own way forward, which in turn strengthened my skills and deepened my understanding of quantity surveying, construction, and related practices.

Thank you to the entire team for the immense time and effort you’ve dedicated to supporting our development. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow within the business and contributing wherever we can.

July COVID Update

July COVID Update

by | Jul 13, 2020 | Commercial New Build, Industry News

– from the Master Builders Queensland 7 July 2020

Social housing program registrations open

Calling all licensed small to medium-sized builders – the new Works for Tradies program (the government’s new social housing program) is open for business.

The program is designed to build new social housing across the state, create a pipeline for small to medium-sized builders and job opportunities for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, concreters and landscapers.

Builders can now register their interest and receive an early heads up about tender opportunities for work in their local area. There’s plenty of opportunities across the state. Target areas and development numbers include:

  • South-East Queensland: 70
  • Central Queensland: 25
  • Darling Downs: 21
  • Far North Queensland: 30
  • Mackay Whitsunday: 20
  • Townsville: 25
  • Wide Bay: 24

Be quick! Registrations close on 24 July 2020.

Queensland signs up for HomeBuilder grant

The Queensland Government has now signed the partnership agreement, officially signing the state up for the HomeBuilder grant.

While the application process is not yet available, more information confirming eligibility criteria is now available on the Queensland Government’s website.

While this is definitely a step in the right direction and confirms the government’s commitment to delivering the grant to Queenslanders, we’ll be putting pressure on them to release details of the application process sooner than the advertised date of early August.

We’ll also be lobbying hard for the government to offer some flexibility with the eligibility requirement that construction must commence within three months of the contract date. We’re pushing for them to accept construction commencing within three months of building approval as meeting the eligibility criteria.

Need contractual advice?
If you need contractual advice regarding signing contracts prior to the application process being available and specific clauses that may cover eligibility, our Master Builders Members Legal team are on hand to assist.

Eligibility questions
All the information you need to understand eligibility requirements for the HomeBuilder grant, the Regional home building boost and the First Home Owners’ Grant is available on the Queensland Government’s website.

 

Brisbane city applications fast tracked

Brisbane City Council recently announced they will fast track some applications to support the building industry during COVID-19 and the period of economic recovery.

They have committed to a 20 business day timeframe for code assessable, well-made change applications for new dwellings, extensions like sheds or carports, and full or partial demolitions.

Planning law changes announced to keep projects moving

The Queensland Government recently announced changes to Queensland’s planning laws, which are designed to ensure infrastructure projects keep going during COVID-19.

The changes allow for some flexibility in public notice requirements and include allowing the use of digital and other online media to advertise development applications; as well as some temporary amendments to statutory requirements around the public availability of development application documents.

Changes are in effect until 31 December 2020 and may be extended following community consultation.