Question:
Good afternoon,

Under Section 4.1 "Borehole depth" it is stated "Boreholes shall be terminated at refusal of layer. " which implies auger drilling refusal on rock or cobbles of an estimated strength. However to assess the strength of the rock to be "Medium Strength or better" (Section 4.1) would require rock coring and rock strength testing, such as point load testing or Unconfined Compressive Strength testing (unconfined compressive strength is defined as a required design parameter under Section 3 Scope of works)

There is a difference in price between drilling to auger refusal depth with spiral flight augers and auger + rock coring. There is also a difference in the information that can be gained from the two methods.

Con you please confirm what is required?

Answered on 25/Sep/2026 11:50 AM:


Good morning,

Please refer attached Addendum 1.

Kind regards,

Angie Taylor

Operations Engineer - Tamworth Regional Council

Question:
Good Afternoon Angie and Ben,

To better understand the project risks and constraints associated with the proposed programme, we are seeking clarifications regarding the timeframe indicated in Q033-2027 for delivery of the final report.

The nominated timeframe appears relatively tight, particularly considering the various stages required between tender award and formal submission of the final report.

Based on our current understanding, the anticipated programme would include the following key activities in between the Award date and the expected Final Reporting:

• Project Award estimate: 13 Oct

• Subcontractor procurement (Drillers, excavation contractor, water cart and traffic control)

• Planning and mobilisation

• Fieldwork (drilling and test pitting)

• Laboratory testing

• Geotechnical interpretation and Draft reporting

• TRC review

• Comments Amendments

• Final reporting: 20 Nov

Given the above, could you please confirm whether the programme aligns with the expected project timeframe and, in particular, whether the nominated final report submission date is fixed?

Clarification of the required timeframe would assist us in identifying and managing the associated programme and delivery risks.

Thank you.

Answered on 29/Sep/2026 02:22 PM:


Good afternoon,

Please see Addendum 2 to address these questions and concerns.

Kind regards,

Angie Taylor

Operations Engineer

Question:
Good afternoon,

Could you provide the previous geotechnical report? A colleague of mine said the mudstone in the area is quite fractured, which may preclude UCS testing on the rock core, so borehole logs from the previous investigation would be helpful, as the depth to unfractured mudstone may be significantly deeper than 16m. Unless point load testing is acceptable for assessing rock strength?

Secondly, disposal of drilling mud to a licensed waste disposal facility may be quite expensive. Is this required?

Thank you and regards

Answered on 29/Sep/2026 02:23 PM:


Good afternoon,

Geotechnical report has been uploaded with Addendum 2.

Kind regards,

Angie Taylor

Operations Engineer

Question:
Hi,

The scope of work indicated laboratory testing as per AS1289 and TfNSW methods. Is testing as per AS1289 only acceptable?

Kind regards

Team at Geotesta

Answered on 29/Sep/2026 02:14 PM:


Good afternoon,

Compliance with solely AS 1289 is acceptable.

Kind regards,

Angie Taylor

Operations Engineer