Council will renegotiate with contractors over work for Rocky Hill Museum

They have also resolved to enter into further negotiations with the two companies that had tendered for the work.  

The estimated cost for this project is $2,500,000, including car park works.

The council has received a 50 per cent ($1,250,000) contribution from the Building Better Regions Funds.

The other 50pc contribution has been allocated in the council’s Capital Works budget.

But the bids to complete the work from two companies have come in too high.

At its September 4 meeting, the council resolved to “decline to accept tenders from both respondents, Kane Constructions Pty Ltd and Van Mal Group Construction Pty Ltd for the Rocky Hill Museum Design and Construction.”

They also decided to review the scope of the project with the architect, “with the objective of reducing the capital costs as well as not inviting new fresh tenders or applications.”  

This is due to “limited interest from the market during the initial tender phase as well as the time and cost implications to the council required to undertake another tender process.” 

“Council resolves to enter into negotiations with both Kane Constructions Pty Ltd and Van Mal Group Construction Pty Ltd on an amended scope with a view to selecting a preferred tenderer.”

These two tenders were the only ones the council received. The report said “excluding price submissions... they were deemed suitable contractors.”

If negotiations were unsuccessful with these two companies, the council decided to enter into negotiations with the other interested parties that viewed the tender documents but did not submit a tender.

Cr Alf Walker sought clarification on the matter. 

“The only two responses to the tender were quite low,” operations director Matt O’Rourke said.

“It does not suggest a high level of interest in it.” 

Cr Peter walker said he was concerned there were only two companies that tendered for the work and asked if the council go back to the market.

“The recommendation to negotiate is to keep the project moving along,” Mr O’Rourke said.

General manager Warwick Bennett then addressed the council and said because of all the grant funding around – limited numbers of tenders for work “is to be the norm.”

“We have been struggling to get contractors,” Mr Bennett said.

“This will continue when Snowy 2.0 starts. There will be a lot of tradespeople going up there to build it.

“A limited number of tenders will be the way of the future. It may even be worse if we go back to the market.” 

The outcomes of these negotiations will be presented back to a later council meeting. 

Meanwhile, Goullburn RSL Sub-Branch president Gordon Wade has advised the RSL will be holding this year’s Armistice Day Service on its spiritual home – Rocky Hill. 

“The council’s general manager has given us assurances that Rocky Hill will be open for the Armistice Day Service,” Mr Wade said. 

“The RSL has every intention of holding this service on the hill. 

“Unless there is a bushfire or a flood the day before – we will be up there.”

He said the service would start at 10.30am and conclude and 11am with one-minute’s silence. 

The Wollondilly River could be set to become busier with the council entering into negotiations with an operator to provide a kayak and bike hire service at Marsden Weir. 

The council resolved to authorise the general manager to enter into negotiations with Nick Fife to draft a lease agreement/licence to undertake a business of adventure tourism activities based at the Waterworks and other council reserves.

The council requires a detailed plan that includes arrangements on how they will cooperate with volunteers at the Waterworks. It will also indicate that “no exclusive rights to the area are given and that the area shall always remain open to the public.”