2023-03-07 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     7 MARCH 2023


panel confirmed Telstra’s ability to undertake the works and meet the specifications and
requirements. Telstra’s tender submission demonstrated the following:
•     A high level of previous experience undertaking projects of similar size and scope for other
      councils, most recently Toowoomba Regional Council and Mornington Shire Council;
•     Provided a detailed design and construction methodology and programme which aligns
      to the contract specifications;
•     Adequately resourced with key personnel and sub-contract suppliers, specifically Simoco
      who are an Australian based manufacturer and systems integrator of critical
      communications solutions across a broad range of technologies;
•     Certified carbon neutral in every aspect of the business with very strong policy, compliant
      with global reporting initiatives, resource efficiency targets, and includes sustainability in
      the value chain. Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015) compliant;
•     Certified Quality Management system (ISO 9001:2015);
•     Workplace Health and Safety system (AS/NZS 4801:2001) compliant;
•     Comprehensive policies and procedures to manage safety, quality and environmental
      impacts throughout the contract.

3.    Next Steps

Once awarded, the Design, Supply, Install and Service a Digital Two-Way Radio System with
GPS Location Service will commence upon mobilisation, at date to be advised, with the aim to
achieve practical completion by the end of December 2023. The contract will include a 12-month
servicing and maintenance period to commence at the satisfactory completion of the radio and
GPS system implementation.

Previous Council Consideration
Nil

Finance
Initial project budget of $778k was fully funded via the QRA’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery
Grant Program for investment into projects that build resilience in areas affected by the 2019-
20 bushfires.

The proposed tender acceptance price, subject to final contract negotiation, is approximately
$484k higher than budget and grant allocation (set in 2020 as part of the grant application) due
to market factors and specification requirements to ensure sufficient network coverage.

It is proposed that the initial shortfall will be funded initially from Council’s Fleet Replacement
Program Budget which is currently under budget due to supply chain delays with fleet
purchases. Officers will also continue to seek additional disaster resilience funding opportunities
for the shortfall from State and Federal Government associated with the February 2022 flood
disaster event.

Risks & Opportunities
 Finance Risks                                     Mitigation
 Budget Overrun                                    Council will engage contractor under schedule of
                                                   rates contract and work with contractor to ensure
                                                   the project scope remains within budget. Further
                                                   project scope increase will be mitigated through
                                                   ongoing and stringent monitoring and controls by
                                                   the project working group and the Capital Works
                                                   Project Control Group and in regular reports to



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