Sewer blower renewal left without contractor after Bega Valley rejects every tender

Bega Valley Shire Council has rejected every tender for its Sewer Treatment Plant Blower Renewal, leaving the wastewater project without a contractor and requiring a further procurement approach.

All nine councillors voted for Resolution 124/26 on 23 September. The tenders were rejected under Clause 178 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, and council resolved to advise each tenderer of the outcome.

The public decision does not identify the companies that bid, their prices or why the tenders were rejected. Councillors first received and noted information in a confidential memorandum before considering the resolution.

No contractor was appointed, and no date was specified for a new tender, revised procurement process or the renewal works.

The blower renewal was considered alongside another infrastructure tender awarded at the same meeting. Council accepted a $567,917 contract, including GST, with LK Power Pty Ltd for the Kiah Switchgear and Control Assembly Upgrade.

The Kiah contract was subject to adjustment approval for a budget shortfall, variations, provisional sums and prime-cost items. Council also delegated authority to the chief executive officer to execute the documents, approve variations within the available allocated budget and authorise contract extensions allowed under the agreement.

The sewer blower resolution contained no equivalent appointment or project timetable. The council will need to determine how to proceed with the renewal after rejecting all submitted tenders.