Water Conservation Tenders

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) for potential purchasing partners for strategic property purchases under the Australian Bushland Program. The program is managed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Purchasing partners will identify, secure, and manage properties for conservation in perpetuity. This EOI is the first stage of a multistage procurement process, with shortlisted respondents potentially invited to a Request for Tender (RFT). The closing time for responses is 12 noon ACT local time on 3 August 2026. An industry briefing will not be held. Up to $90 million may be available for purchasing properties and service fees. Questions regarding the EOI must be submitted in writing by 22 July 2026.

This is a public tender for the Bridgeman Park Caretaker Agreement. The successful tenderer will be responsible for the operation and management of the complex, including caretaker obligations such as keeping the complex open, operating honestly and competently, being available after hours for enquiries and callouts, attending user group meetings, ensuring facilities are operational during functions, minimizing water wastage, and adhering to council directions for water conservation. The caretaker must not allow unauthorized access, store dangerous items, or conduct dangerous activities. They are responsible for providing up-to-date material safety data sheets (MSDSs), ensuring an operational first-aid station, maintaining lighting and bins, reporting misuse of facilities, and not making alterations without council consent. The caretaker must not engage in activities that adversely affect council's business or reputation, deceive the public, or are unlawful or offensive. They must adhere to council's code of conduct, not make public comments to the media, and direct all media relations to the relevant council department. Prompt and courteous correspondence, efficient complaint handling, and ensuring facilities are used for their intended purpose are required. The caretaker must not operate amusement or gaming machines, erect signage without consent, or deface any part of the complex without consent. Breaches may result in the caretaker paying for rectification costs. The caretaker must not allow activities that void or increase insurance premiums. Obligations can be discharged by the caretaker or their staff, who must be neatly attired and clearly identified. The caretaker must consult openly with the council, and neither party may publicly criticize the other. A logbook must be maintained for consumables, mechanical breakdowns, theft, and incidents. All staff must hold a blue card. Positive relations with user groups, council officers, and contractors are expected. The caretaker must attend to injured persons, escalate as required, and notify the council of incidents and their response. Reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent theft or loss. Burning is not permitted on the complex. The PA system must be operational, and instructions provided to users. The caretaker must maintain a set of keys to all buildings and facilities, and not change locks. Additional locks must be keyed into the master system. WorkCover, public risk, and damage cover insurance policies must be maintained for the duration of the agreement. Maintenance, cleaning, and health obligations include keeping the complex clean and tidy, removing garbage, maintaining adequate supplies in toilet facilities, keeping food preparation areas free from pests, taking measures to prevent disease, promptly removing graffiti, maintaining fixtures and equipment, and notifying the council of maintenance beyond their capability. Mowing, slashing, whipper-snipping, operating irrigation systems, planting and watering trees, promoting recycling, pruning trees (excluding working from height), cleaning gutters (excluding working from height), and maintaining garden beds are required. Major repairs like water leaks or electrical issues must be notified to the council immediately. Mobile infrastructure may need to be moved. Minor maintenance of buildings and furniture, and painting of fixtures and fittings are required. Barbeques must be clean with adequate gas. Hot water systems must be operational. Safety checks on electrical appliances and leads are required. Public address, fire, first aid, exit signage, evacuation signage, and disabled safety devices must be maintained. Evacuation notifications and emergency procedures must be clearly marked. The caretaker must reinstate at their own cost any reactive maintenance caused by their failure to undertake preventative maintenance. The caretaker is not required to repair inherent defects, structural damage, or damage covered by