Question:
Hi Marcio,

I’m Kieran Shirey, founder of LOGiT Australia, an Aboriginal-owned business developing Kin-Neon (kinneon.au), a housing production approach intended to build local manufacturing, assembly and maintenance capability.

Our development work includes mobile production of interlocking stabilised earth blocks, with any use of local materials subject to suitability testing, engineering and the required approvals. We are investigating ways to reduce transport, labour and external contractor dependency while building lasting community capability.

Having reviewed the tender’s provisions for alternative materials and construction systems, we would appreciate clarification on a potential specialist role alongside an appropriately qualified D&C contractor:

1. What technical evidence and approvals must be available at tender submission for an alternative wall or material system, and what may be completed during the subsequent design and approval stages?

2. Would Council and DHPW consider a limited, engineer-reviewed component within a conforming delivery proposal, supported by a fully compliant fallback so that housing delivery does not depend on unresolved R&D? We understand that a non-conforming alternative must accompany a conforming tender.

3. For a specialist participating through a lead D&C contractor, must the specialist also attend the mandatory site visit, or can the lead contractor’s attendance satisfy that requirement?

4. If the development stage makes participation in this tender premature, is there an appropriate separate pathway for discussing a future demonstration or training project? We would follow Council’s nominated process for any such discussion.

5. Please confirm the supplier-question deadline. The Request Summary states 6 November 2026 at 2 pm AEST, while Part A clause 5.10(c) contains different wording and a reference to 6 October.

We are seeking clarification of the appropriate participation and evidence requirements at this stage. We are not representing Kin-Neon as a certified system or offering to undertake the turnkey D&C scope independently.

Answered on 09/Oct/2026 11:44 PM:


1. Technical evidence and approvals

At tender submission, proponents should provide sufficient technical information to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system and its ability to meet the Principal's Requirements, including structural performance, cyclone resistance, durability, thermal performance, maintainability and applicable DHPW standards.

Detailed engineering, testing and statutory certification may be completed during the subsequent design development and approval stages, where appropriate. However, any proposed system must have a credible pathway to compliance, and the successful D&C contractor remains responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals and certifications before construction.

2. Limited application and compliant fallback

Council is open to considering innovative materials or construction systems as part of a conforming D&C proposal, including their limited application to suitable building components.

A fully compliant fallback solution may assist in managing delivery risk. However, any proposed alternative must be clearly identified and supported by sufficient technical evidence to enable its assessment. Council cannot provide advance acceptance of an untested or uncertified system, and any proposed solution would remain subject to the applicable design review, engineering and statutory approval requirements.

3. Mandatory site visit

The mandatory site visit requirement applies to the Tenderer submitting the D&C proposal. Where a specialist participates as a subcontractor or consultant to a Principal Contractor, the Principal Contractor's attendance will satisfy this requirement. Specialist participation in the site visit is encouraged where it would assist with understanding site conditions and delivery requirements.

4. Future demonstration or training opportunities

Council recognises the potential value of initiatives that develop local manufacturing, construction and maintenance capabilities.

Should participation in the current procurement be premature, you are welcome to submit a separate proposal for Council's consideration outside the current tender process. Any future demonstration or training initiative would be subject to Council's priorities, available funding, applicable approvals and procurement requirements.

5. Clarification deadline

I confirm that the deadline for tender enquiries is 2:00 pm (AEST) on 6 November 2026, as stated in the VendorPanel Request Summary. The reference to 6 October in Part A is an administrative error, which Council will clarify through VendorPanel.

Question:
Hi Marcio,

Thank you for suggesting I introduce my proposal to the D&C contractors tendering for Palm Island via Vendor Panel. I am an Australian architect with work spanning tropical Queensland to the Tasmanian highlands, and a particular interest in creating pragmatic, economical yet traditionally beautiful buildings and places. As an example, my open-source Tasmanian House model shows how distinctive, characterful homes can be delivered at exceptionally low cost, as documented by ABC News and other publications. During my postgraduate studies I also worked in the Aboriginal town camps of Alice Springs, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges of remote-community housing. Further examples of my work, including alternative masterplans advocating locally characteristic, picturesque and human-scaled settlements, can be found at www.lev.au and www.jirilev.au.

I believe Palm Island presents a wonderful opportunity to establish a new model for social housing, demonstrating that homes can satisfy every technical requirement, including Gold Level accessibility, durability, climatic comfort and affordability, while also contributing to beautiful streetscapes and a genuinely loved township. Some of the island's older high-set houses, generous verandahs and lattice screens already offer lovely precedents.

I would be interested in working with a Principal Contractor to study and evolve this local architectural tradition, creating varied but harmonious houses, gardens and public spaces that contribute to residents' happiness, satisfaction and pride in their community. I believe much could be achieved through thoughtful design without necessarily increasing construction costs. Palm Island could become a nationally significant example of social housing that people are proud to call home and that visitors find attractive and memorable.

Could Council please confirm:

1. May Principal Contractors engage an independent architect to further develop and improve the architectural character, appearance, site layouts and streetscapes of the reference designs, provided all budgetary, functional, accessibility and technical requirements are maintained?

2. May these architectural improvements be included in a contractor's tender proposal and developed further in consultation with Council and the community following appointment?

I would welcome enquiries from interested contractors, whether for an individual package or the wider programme. My involvement could be tailored to their existing teams, programmes and budgets.

Kind regards,

Jiri Lev, architect - jiri@lev.au

Answered on 12/Oct/2026 10:27 AM:


Council welcomes design enhancements proposed by tenderers, including through the engagement of independent architects, provided all functional, technical, accessibility, budgetary and other tender requirements are met.

Proposed enhancements may be included in tender submissions and will be considered as part of the evaluation process. Any further design development following contract award will be subject to Council approval and the contract requirements.

Question:
Good morning, due to transport width restrictions with modular construction, would 900mm window hoods be accepted in place of the specified 900mm eaves? Thank you for clarifying

Answered on 17/Oct/2026 04:55 AM:


Council is open to alternative design solutions, including those proposed to accommodate modular construction and transport constraints, provided they comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), applicable Australian Standards, DHPW housing design and construction requirements, and all other specifications included in the tender documentation.

Tenderers are responsible for demonstrating compliance with these requirements. Any proposed departure from a mandatory requirement must be clearly identified in the tender submission and will be subject to Council's assessment and acceptance.

Question:
Would a partial tender of Architectural Design consultant services only be accepted, or it must be Design & Construct?

Answered on 14/Oct/2026 12:47 PM:


Council confirms that this procurement is for the Design and Construction (D&C) of New Social Housing – Palm Island.

Tender Responses for architectural design consultancy services only will not be accepted.

Architectural consultants interested in participating are encouraged to collaborate with suitably qualified D&C contractors and form part of their proposed design and delivery teams.

Question:
Hi we are unable to download the documents. The website times out before compiling the zip file with all docuements.

Answered on 15/Oct/2026 09:25 AM:


Alternatively, you may try downloading the tender documents individually rather than as a single ZIP file.

If the issue persists, please contact VendorPanel Support directly for technical assistance.

Question:
Good afternoon,

Regarding Lots 60A, 60B, 60C and 60D, Thiday Road, Butler Bay, we note that the sites have significant tree coverage.

Could Council please confirm whether clearing of these lots will be undertaken by Council prior to construction, or whether this will be the contractor’s responsibility?

Additionally, are the necessary approvals for vegetation clearing already in place, or would the contractor be required to obtain these through the relevant authorities?

Thank you

Answered on 16/Oct/2026 07:48 AM:


Thank you for your enquiry.

1. Responsibility for vegetation clearing

Vegetation clearing required to undertake the proposed development is to be included within the Principal Contractor's Design and Construct (D&C) scope. Council does not intend to undertake vegetation clearing prior to construction.

2. Vegetation clearing approvals

Council is responsible for obtaining the applicable development and planning approvals. The Principal Contractor will be responsible for identifying vegetation clearing requirements, undertaking the necessary investigations and securing any additional permits or approvals associated with its construction methodology, where required.

Tenderers should allow for the necessary vegetation clearing works and associated costs within their submissions.

Question:
Good morning Council,

Following on from the teams meeting, I have a couple questions.

Q1. As mentioned in the meeting, you would look at multiple contracts for this project, would you accept delivery to the port only?

Q1. If yes to Q1, would a site inspection be mandatory?

Thank you.

Answered on 16/Oct/2026 07:46 AM:


Thank you for your questions.

Q1. Would Council accept delivery to the port only?

No. While Council may award separate contracts for individual housing packages, each contract must cover the full Design and Construct (D&C) scope, including transportation to Palm Island, on-site construction, commissioning, certification and handover.

Proposals limited to supply and delivery to the port will not be accepted as conforming tenders.

Q2. Would a site inspection be mandatory if only delivering to the port?

As supply-and-delivery-only proposals are not accepted, this question is not applicable. The mandatory site inspection requirement remains applicable to all D&C tenderers.

Question:
Regarding vegetation clearing for Package 5, Lots 60A–60D, please provide any available clearing and tree-retention plans, vegetation assessments and applicable approval conditions.

Please also confirm:

- The required clearing extent, including building footprints, access, services and construction working areas.

- Requirements for stump removal, grubbing, backfilling and retained-tree protection.

- Whether on-site chipping or retention of mulch is permitted, and the approved disposal options for vegetation and stumps.

- Whether a separately identified provisional sum for clearing would be accepted where the extent or approval requirements remain unresolved at tender close. If not, please nominate the pricing basis tenderers should adopt.

Answered on 16/Oct/2026 06:03 PM:


Thank you for your enquiry.

1. Vegetation clearing plans and assessments

Council has not provided a separate vegetation clearing or tree-retention plan for Package 5. Tenderers are required to assess existing site conditions during the mandatory site inspection and make appropriate allowances in their submissions.

2. Extent of clearing

The Principal Contractor is responsible for determining the vegetation clearing required to deliver the proposed dwellings, including building footprints, access, services and construction working areas. Clearing should be limited to what is reasonably necessary for the development, subject to applicable approvals and environmental requirements.

3. Stump removal and tree protection

The D&C scope includes all necessary stump removal, grubbing, backfilling, ground preparation and protection of retained vegetation. These works must be undertaken in accordance with applicable standards and approval conditions.

4. Vegetation disposal

On-site chipping and reuse of mulch may be proposed, subject to Council acceptance and applicable environmental requirements. Tenderers are responsible for identifying suitable and lawful disposal arrangements for vegetation and stumps and including the associated costs in their submissions.

5. Pricing basis

Tenderers are required to include vegetation clearing and associated site preparation costs within their lump-sum tender price. A separately identified provisional sum is not proposed for these works.

Tenderers should base their pricing on the reference designs, available site information and their own site investigations, clearly identifying any assumptions made.

Question:
Hi Marcio,

I would like to arrange the mandatory site inspection for tender VP528544 — Design and Construction of New Social Housing, Palm Island.

Please confirm available dates and times within the 15–30 October inspection window, the meeting location, and any access or attendance requirements. I would like to inspect all housing package sites to assess the scope before finalising which packages to tender.

Kind regards,

Michael Robertson

Answered on 16/Oct/2026 05:59 PM:


Thank you for your enquiry.

Please contact Chris Smythe, Council's Project Manager, directly to coordinate the mandatory site inspection, including available dates, meeting location and access arrangements.

Email: chris.smythe@palmcouncil.qld.gov.au

Mobile: 0411 260 905

Chris will assist in arranging an inspection of all housing package sites.