The businesses winning more than $50 million in Wollongong City Council contracts
Illawarra firms landing key infrastructure and service deals
Wollongong City Council has awarded more than $50 million in contracts so far this financial year, with local and national companies sharing in major tenders for community facilities, infrastructure works and cutting-edge technology projects.
Among the tenders awarded was a $540,000 contract for an artificial intelligence project to use AI-powered cameras mounted on the council’s waste and recycling trucks to scan more than 1,000 kilometres of local roads every fortnight, automatically flagging potholes and surface damage.
The system will provide a comprehensive defect report on 89% of council-managed roads. Brisbane-based Retina Visions Pty Ltd was awarded the contract after six tenders were assessed.
Council papers said the technology will help shift road maintenance from reactive repairs to proactive asset management.
$41.6m community hub leads the list
The biggest contract awarded was a $41.6 million deal with Grindley Constructions Pty Ltd to deliver the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library in Warrawong.
The Pymble-based firm landed the contract following extended negotiations after an earlier tender round was rejected.
The three-storey building on the corner of King and Greene Streets will combine a modern library, community spaces, landscaped surrounds, commercial tenancies and on-site parking. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027.
Design team appointed for Helensburgh’s new library
In the northern suburbs, Austinmer-based Sherson Architecture Pty Ltd secured a $1.38 million contract for architectural and sub-consultant services for the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library.
The firm competed against Sydney-based NBRS & Partners and BVN to win the work, which will see the company design and coordinate plans for the new facility on Walker Street. Construction is earmarked to start in 2026–27.
Safety upgrades continue on Harry Graham Drive
Infrastructure works remain a major focus, with Russell Vale-based Cadifern Pty Ltd winning the $3.63 million contract for slope stabilisation works along Harry Graham Drive near Mount Kembla.
The project covers a 275-metre section of the escarpment road, building on an earlier stage completed in 2022. Works include installation of sheet piles, concrete beams, drainage improvements and erosion protection to reduce rockfall risks.
Flood-protection structure for Figtree
Cadifern also picked up another key infrastructure job - an $858,000 contract to construct a debris control structure in Byarong Creek, upstream of The Avenue, Figtree.
Six tenders were received, and council papers said Cadifern’s bid was selected for value and technical merit. The structure will trap debris during heavy rainfall, helping to protect homes and public assets from flooding.
Council said the work forms part of its broader flood-mitigation strategy across the city’s creeks and catchments.
Menzies cleans up in $1.8m facilities deal
Council also awarded a $1.8 million cleaning contract to national firm Menzies Facility Services Pty Ltd to maintain 12 community sites, including libraries, halls and community centres.
The three-year deal, with an option to extend for two more years, attracted 21 bids, including locally owned Proshine Solutions and B&K Services.
Early learning secured for Stanwell Park
In the childcare sector, Council leased the Stanwell Park Children’s Centre to Big Fat Smile Group Ltd under a 10-year agreement worth $467,204 for the first five years.
Seven tenders were received, including the outgoing operator Stanwell Park Early Learning Ltd, which had been running on a year-by-year hire arrangement.
Three smaller tenders approved under delegation
Three lower-value community tenders were finalised under delegation to the General Manager, rather than by full Council resolution.
Halbuild Pty Ltd won a $277,299 contract to upgrade the kitchen and associated facilities at Western Suburbs Preschool, improving food preparation and safety standards.
Two pool kiosk licences were also renewed: Corrimal Swim Squad Pty Ltd will operate the Corrimal Pool Kiosk and Frontline Cashier Services under a $442,365 licence, while Tecy Transport Pty Ltd will manage the Dapto Pool Kiosk and Cashier Services under a $448,254 deal.
Projects still in negotiation
Council declined bids for both the North Wollongong Beach Seawall Stage 2 and the Wollongong Town Hall and Art Gallery upgrades, citing budget and compliance issues.
Two companies tendered for the $3.9 million-funded seawall project and four for the Town Hall works. In both cases, Council opted to negotiate directly with one or more tenderers to secure better value outcomes rather than re-tender the projects.
Tenders up for grabs
Wollongong City Council still has three tenders open for local businesses: the refurbishment of Corrimal Community Hall, the operation of two weekly outdoor markets in Crown Street Mall, and the provision of an Employment Assistance Program for council staff, councillors and their families.
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