# Builtwise > Builtwise is a QBCC-licensed Queensland builder (Builder – Open, licence 15445275) that designs and constructs warehouses, distribution and cold storage facilities, workshops, manufacturing buildings and industrial/office buildings across South East Queensland, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley and the Fraser Coast. Australian (en-AU) design-and-construct builder. Facts below match the website; last reviewed 2026-09-24. Full text of every page: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/llms-full.txt. Guidance for AI agents: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/agents.md. ## Key facts - Business: Builtwise (Builtwise Construction), the industrial and commercial construction brand of Builtwise Group Pty Ltd - ABN 73 675 775 096; ACN 675 775 096 - QBCC licence 15445275, class Builder – Open (building work on all classes of buildings), status Active - Same company trades as Lockyer Sheds (https://www.lockyersheds.com.au/) - Phone: 07 2142 1772 (international +61721421772) - Brisbane office: Unit 3, 73-75 Steel Street, Capalaba QLD 4157 (07 2142 1772; By appointment) - Head office, Lockyer Valley: 2 Harm Drive, Crowley Vale QLD 4342 (07 5466 5858; Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm) - Quote requests: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/request-a-quote - Services: Warehouse Construction; Distribution Centre Construction; Cold Storage Facilities; Steel-Frame Warehouses; Clear-Span Warehouse Structures; Tilt-Panel Warehouse Construction; Commercial Workshops; Manufacturing Facilities; Mixed-Use Industrial & Office Buildings; Design & Construct - Service areas: Brisbane (Brisbane City Council); Logan (Logan City Council); Ipswich (Ipswich City Council); Gold Coast (City of Gold Coast); Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast Council); Moreton Bay (City of Moreton Bay (Moreton Bay Regional Council)); Toowoomba (Toowoomba Regional Council); Lockyer Valley (Lockyer Valley Regional Council); Gympie (Gympie Regional Council); Fraser Coast (Fraser Coast Regional Council); Redland City (Redland City Council); Scenic Rim (Scenic Rim Regional Council) - Towns serviced: Toowoomba, Highfields, Oakey, Crows Nest, Pittsworth, Clifton, Millmerran, Gatton, Laidley, Brisbane, Logan, Beenleigh, Redland Bay, Ipswich, Beaudesert, Jimboomba, Tamborine Mountain, Canungra, Nerang, Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Southport, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Boonah, Rathdowney, Noosa Heads, Tewantin, Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran, Eumundi, Nambour, Yandina, Coolum Beach, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Kawana Waters, Beerwah, Landsborough, Glass House Mountains, Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, Kenilworth, Gympie, Woodford, Caboolture, Morayfield, Bribie Island, Maryborough, Tiaro, Howard, Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Torbanlea, Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Cove, Kilkivan - Ask before assuming service: Dalby, Warwick, Esk, Kilcoy, Jandowae, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach, Byron Bay, Ballina, Childers, Woodgate, Biggenden - Not serviced: Goondiwindi, Stanthorpe, Chinchilla, Roma, Mundubbera - Prices: quoted per project; the site cites Rider Levett Bucknall Riders Digest 2026 benchmarks with their exclusions - Images marked as concepts are AI-generated visualisations, not photographs of completed Builtwise projects - The site publishes no ratings, reviews, project counts or years-in-business claims ## Services - [Warehouse Construction](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/warehouse-construction): Builtwise designs and builds warehouses for owner-occupiers and investors across South East Queensland, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley and the Fraser Coast. - [Distribution Centre Construction](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/distribution-centre-construction): A distribution centre is a warehouse designed around the flow of vehicles and goods rather than storage alone: loading docks, hardstand, truck circulation, cross-dock or storage layouts and the office that runs them. - [Cold Storage Facilities](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/cold-storage-facilities): Builtwise builds cold storage buildings and specialised facilities, coordinating the building structure, insulated envelope, slab and site works with your refrigeration engineer. - [Steel-Frame Warehouses](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/steel-frame-warehouses): A steel-frame warehouse uses hot-rolled steel portal frames (columns and rafters joined rigidly at the knee) to carry the roof and walls, with purlins and girts supporting metal cladding. - [Clear-Span Warehouse Structures](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/clear-span-warehouses): A clear-span warehouse has no internal columns: the roof frames span the full width of the building, wall to wall. - [Tilt-Panel Warehouse Construction](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/tilt-panel-warehouses): Tilt-up (tilt-panel) construction casts reinforced concrete wall panels flat on site, usually on the building slab or a casting bed, then lifts them upright with a crane and braces them until the roof structure ties them in. - [Commercial Workshops](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/commercial-workshops): A commercial workshop is a building for repairing, servicing or fabricating: vehicle and plant workshops, trade premises, fabrication bays and service centres. - [Manufacturing Facilities](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/manufacturing-facilities): Builtwise designs and builds manufacturing buildings for Queensland businesses: process halls, production floors, packing areas and the storage, office and amenities around them. - [Mixed-Use Industrial & Office Buildings](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/industrial-office-buildings): A mixed-use industrial building combines a warehouse or production area with office space, often a showroom or trade counter, in one building. - [Design & Construct](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/design-and-construct): Design and construct (D&C) means one contractor takes responsibility for designing and building your project. ## Service areas - [Brisbane](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane): Brisbane City Council, Brisbane City Plan 2014 - [Logan](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/logan): Logan City Council, Logan Planning Scheme 2015 - [Ipswich](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/ipswich): Ipswich City Council, Ipswich City Plan 2025 - [Gold Coast](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/gold-coast): City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast City Plan - [Sunshine Coast](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/sunshine-coast): Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 - [Moreton Bay](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/moreton-bay): City of Moreton Bay (Moreton Bay Regional Council), Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 - [Toowoomba](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/toowoomba): Toowoomba Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme - [Lockyer Valley](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/lockyer-valley): Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme 2024 - [Gympie](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/gympie): Gympie Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme 2013 - [Fraser Coast](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/fraser-coast): Fraser Coast Regional Council, Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 - [Redland City](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/redland): Redland City Council, Redland City Plan 2018 - [Scenic Rim](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/scenic-rim): Scenic Rim Regional Council, Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 - [Distribution Centre Construction in Brisbane](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/distribution-centre-construction) - [Tilt-Panel Warehouse Construction in Brisbane](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/tilt-panel-warehouses) - [Cold Storage Facilities in Brisbane](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/cold-storage-facilities) - [Manufacturing Facilities in Brisbane](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/manufacturing-facilities) - [Distribution Centre Construction in Toowoomba](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/toowoomba/distribution-centre-construction) - [Commercial Workshops in Toowoomba](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/toowoomba/commercial-workshops) - [Distribution Centre Construction in Scenic Rim](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/scenic-rim/distribution-centre-construction) - [Manufacturing Facilities in Moreton Bay](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/moreton-bay/manufacturing-facilities) - [Manufacturing Facilities in Fraser Coast](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/fraser-coast/manufacturing-facilities) ## Industries - [Logistics & distribution](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/industries/logistics-distribution) - [Manufacturing](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/industries/manufacturing) - [Food & cold chain](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/industries/food-cold-chain) - [Agribusiness & regional](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/industries/agribusiness-rural) - [Trades & service businesses](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/industries/trade-services) - [Developers & investors](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/industries/property-developers-investors) ## Guides (answer-first) - [How much does it cost to build a warehouse in Queensland?](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/warehouse-construction-cost-queensland): Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition, fourth-quarter 2025 rates) benchmarks a Brisbane industrial building of 4,500 m² with 6 m to the underside of the truss at $1,360 to $1,800 per m² of gross floor area with metal cladding, and $1,460 to $1,960 per m² with precast concrete cladding. - [What approvals do you need to build a warehouse in Queensland?](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/industrial-building-approvals-queensland): Most Queensland warehouse projects need two separate decisions: a development approval under the council's planning scheme (unless the use is accepted development on that lot) and a building approval from a licensed building certifier under the Building Act 1975. - [Tilt-panel or steel-frame: which is right for your warehouse?](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/tilt-panel-vs-steel-frame-warehouse): Choose steel-frame when you want an economical, easily extended building with openings anywhere; choose tilt-panel (tilt-up concrete) when you need fire-rated or boundary walls, security, durability or acoustic mass, and the site has room for casting and a crane. - [Warehouse or factory? NCC building classes and fire rules explained](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/ncc-building-classes-warehouses-factories): Under the National Construction Code a warehouse used for storage or wholesale display is Class 7b, a building where goods are produced, assembled, repaired, packed or cleaned is Class 8, and an office is Class 5. - [Warehouse design guide: planning a building around your operation](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/warehouse-design-guide): Start with the operation, not the building: the largest vehicle you receive, peak vehicle movements, how goods are stored and how high, how many people work there, and how the business may grow. - [What information do you need for a warehouse construction quote?](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/warehouse-quote-checklist): For a useful first price a builder needs five things: the lot address, the approximate floor area and height, the building's use (storage, distribution, workshop, manufacturing, cold storage), the office and amenity requirements, and your timeline. ## Machine-readable files - [Sitemap](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/sitemap.xml): every canonical page - [robots.txt](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/robots.txt): crawler policy - [llms-full.txt](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/llms-full.txt): full text of every page - [agents.md](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/agents.md): guidance for AI agents acting for a user - [ai.txt](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/ai.txt): AI training and use policy ## Optional - [About and company particulars](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/about) - [Contact](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/contact) - [FAQ](https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/faq) --- ## Licence statement Builtwise Group Pty Ltd is licensed under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991. QBCC licence 15445275 (Builder – Open). ## General FAQ Q: What does a warehouse builder do? A: A warehouse builder plans, gets approved and constructs warehouses and industrial buildings: the structure, slab, cladding, services, office and site works. Builtwise does this as a design-and-construct builder in Queensland, working from how your business will use the building. Q: Is Builtwise a licensed builder? A: Yes. Builtwise Group Pty Ltd (ABN 73 675 775 096) holds QBCC licence 15445275, class Builder – Open, which covers building work on all classes of buildings. You can check it on the QBCC licensee register. Q: Which areas do you build in? A: Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redland City, the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim, Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, Gympie, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley and the Fraser Coast. If your site is outside these areas, call us and we will tell you straight away whether we can help. Q: What types of buildings do you build? A: Warehouses, distribution centres, cold storage and specialised facilities, steel-frame and clear-span buildings, tilt-panel warehouses, commercial workshops, manufacturing facilities and mixed-use industrial and office buildings. Q: How is Builtwise related to Lockyer Sheds? A: They are the same company. Builtwise Group Pty Ltd also trades as Lockyer Sheds, which builds steel sheds, farm buildings and smaller steel structures from its Crowley Vale head office. Builtwise is the company's commercial and industrial construction brand. Q: What information do you need for a quote? A: The lot address, approximate floor area and height, what the building will be used for, office and amenity needs, and your timeline. Plans and reports help but are not needed to start. ## Warehouse Construction URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/warehouse-construction Builtwise designs and builds warehouses for owner-occupiers and investors across South East Queensland, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley and the Fraser Coast. We start from how the building will be used (goods in, storage, goods out, staff and office space), then resolve the structure, cladding, approvals and site works into one fixed-scope quote. Builtwise Group Pty Ltd holds QBCC licence 15445275, class Builder – Open. ### What a warehouse brief should settle first The size of a warehouse is the last number to fix, not the first. Before a footprint is drawn we work through what moves through the building: vehicle types and turning paths, how many loading points you need at peak, how goods are stored (floor stacked, pallet racking, long-span shelving), what needs to be under cover, and how many people work there. Those answers decide the clear height, the column-free span, the number and size of roller doors, the hardstand area and the slab design. They also decide which building class and fire-safety provisions apply, which is where cost is most often won or lost. ### Building class and fire safety Under the National Construction Code a building used for storage or wholesale display is Class 7b; a building where goods are produced, packed or repaired is Class 8; an attached office is Class 5. A building can hold several classes and must meet the requirements of each (NCC 2022, A6G1 and A6G12). For Class 7 and 8 buildings, Table C3D3 limits a single fire compartment to 5,000 m² for Type A construction, 3,500 m² for Type B and 2,000 m² for Type C. Larger single-storey warehouses can use the 'large isolated building' provisions in C3D4, which rely on open space around the building or sprinklers and perimeter vehicle access. Storage of combustible goods above 4 m can trigger sprinklers under E1D13. These rules shape the layout, so we resolve them with the certifier and fire engineer at design stage. ### Design considerations - Clear height: Set by your racking and forklift reach, then checked against the sprinkler triggers for high storage. - Span and grid: Column spacing that suits pallet racking bays and truck aprons, not simply the lightest frame. - Doors and docks: Number, size and wind rating of roller doors. Large access doors are designed to AS/NZS 4505. - Slab and hardstand: Slab thickness and joints set by forklift and racking loads; hardstand sized to turning paths. - Office and amenities: Attached Class 5 office, staff amenities and accessible facilities, planned with the warehouse rather than added later. - Services capacity: Power supply, stormwater and fire water (hydrants are generally required above 500 m² where a fire station is within 50 km, NCC E1D2). ### FAQ Q: How much does it cost to build a warehouse in Brisbane? A: Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition, fourth-quarter 2025 rates) puts a Brisbane industrial building of 4,500 m² with 6 m to the underside of the truss at $1,360 to $1,800 per m² of gross floor area with metal cladding, and $1,460 to $1,960 per m² with precast concrete cladding, excluding GST, land, fees, site works, hardstands and roadworks. Your price depends on size, height, structure, the office component and site conditions, so we quote each project individually. Q: Do you build warehouses to lease? A: Yes. For investors we plan the building so it suits a broad range of tenants: flexible clear height, a column grid that works for common racking systems, a separable office and a site layout that can be split into units where the planning scheme allows it. Q: Do I need council approval as well as a building approval? A: Often, yes. In Queensland a planning scheme sets whether a use is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable (Planning Act 2016, s44). If a development permit is needed, council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact applications under the Development Assessment Rules, plus public notification of at least 15 business days for impact assessment. The building approval is a separate decision made by a licensed building certifier. We check the zoning and approval pathway for your lot before we price the build. Q: Can the warehouse include an office and a mezzanine? A: Yes. An attached office is usually a separate Class 5 part of the building and a mezzanine is designed as part of the structure. Both are easier and cheaper to include at design stage than to add later. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station/documents/Tech-Note-6-Garage-Doors-and-Other-Large-Access-Doors.pdf https://www.rlb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2026/01/2026-RLB-Rider-Digest_Queensland_Digital_2.pdf https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2016-025 https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/93863/guidance-for-the-development-assessment-rules-july-2024.pdf https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/builder/builder-open ## Distribution Centre Construction URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/distribution-centre-construction A distribution centre is a warehouse designed around the flow of vehicles and goods rather than storage alone: loading docks, hardstand, truck circulation, cross-dock or storage layouts and the office that runs them. Builtwise designs and constructs distribution and logistics buildings for Queensland businesses, from the operational brief through approvals to handover. ### Start with the yard, not the shed The performance of a distribution centre is decided outside the building as much as inside it. The number of dock positions, whether they are recessed or on-grade, the depth of the truck apron, separation of heavy vehicles from staff and visitor parking, and where trailers queue all drive the site layout, the earthworks and the hardstand, which are often a large share of the budget. We model a realistic peak hour with you (vehicle types, arrivals, dwell time) and use it to size docks and hardstand before the building footprint is fixed. ### Large floor areas and the NCC Distribution buildings quickly exceed the standard fire compartment limits for Class 7 buildings in NCC Table C3D3. The large isolated building provisions (C3D4) allow bigger compartments where the building is surrounded by open space or is sprinklered with perimeter vehicle access that is at least 6 m wide and within 18 m of the building (C3D5). The access road you need for the fire brigade can often double as truck circulation if it is planned early. ### Design considerations - Dock count and type: Recessed docks with levellers, on-grade roller doors, or a mix, based on your vehicle fleet. - Hardstand design: Pavement thickness for heavy vehicles, drainage falls and turning paths for the largest vehicle you receive. - Clear height: Set by racking and storage height; storage of combustibles above 4 m can require sprinklers (NCC E1D13). - Fire access: Perimeter vehicle access and hydrant coverage planned together with truck circulation. - Office and amenities: A transport office overlooking the yard, driver amenities and staff parking separated from trucks. - Future expansion: A structural grid and site plan that allow an extra bay or dock positions later. ### FAQ Q: What is the difference between a warehouse and a distribution centre? A: A warehouse is mainly for storage. A distribution centre is organised around moving goods in and out quickly, so docks, hardstand, truck circulation and sorting space get more of the design effort and the budget. Q: How many loading docks do I need? A: It depends on the number of vehicles you handle at peak, how long each one stays and whether inbound and outbound share doors. We work it out from your actual vehicle movements rather than a rule of thumb. Q: Do I need council approval as well as a building approval? A: Often, yes. In Queensland a planning scheme sets whether a use is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable (Planning Act 2016, s44). If a development permit is needed, council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact applications under the Development Assessment Rules, plus public notification of at least 15 business days for impact assessment. The building approval is a separate decision made by a licensed building certifier. We check the zoning and approval pathway for your lot before we price the build. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2016-025 https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/93863/guidance-for-the-development-assessment-rules-july-2024.pdf ## Cold Storage Facilities URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/cold-storage-facilities Builtwise builds cold storage buildings and specialised facilities, coordinating the building structure, insulated envelope, slab and site works with your refrigeration engineer. A cold store is a building, a refrigeration system and a set of operating temperatures that have to be designed together; we manage that coordination so the building suits the plant and the plant suits the building. ### What makes a cold store different The operating temperature drives almost every building decision: the insulated wall and roof system, how the floor is insulated and protected below freezer rooms, how doors and docks are sealed, where the refrigeration plant sits and how it is serviced, and how much electrical capacity the site needs. Insulated sandwich panels are regulated for fire performance under the NCC, and insurers often set their own requirements for panel type. We confirm the panel specification with the certifier and your insurer early, because changing it later affects cost and programme. ### Who does what We build the structure, slab, envelope, docks and site works and coordinate the refrigeration contractor, who designs and commissions the plant. Refrigeration, electrical and plumbing work is carried out by appropriately licensed trades. You get one builder responsible for the programme and the interfaces between them. ### Design considerations - Temperature zones: Chiller, freezer and ambient areas mapped early, with the transitions between them. - Floor design: Insulated floors and protection against ground freezing under freezer rooms, designed by the engineer. - Envelope: Insulated panel system selected for thermal performance and fire compliance, confirmed with the certifier and insurer. - Docks and doors: Sealed dock shelters and high-speed or insulated doors to limit temperature loss. - Plant and power: Space, access and structural support for refrigeration plant, plus electricity supply capacity. - Energy: Conditioned spaces are subject to NCC Section J energy-efficiency requirements (J1P1). ### FAQ Q: Do you install the refrigeration system? A: The refrigeration system is designed, installed and commissioned by a licensed refrigeration contractor. We coordinate them as part of the project so the building, slab, penetrations and power are ready for the plant. Q: Can you add a cold room inside an existing warehouse? A: Often, yes, subject to the existing slab, structure, power supply and approvals. We assess the building first and tell you what has to change. Q: Do I need council approval as well as a building approval? A: Often, yes. In Queensland a planning scheme sets whether a use is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable (Planning Act 2016, s44). If a development permit is needed, council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact applications under the Development Assessment Rules, plus public notification of at least 15 business days for impact assessment. The building approval is a separate decision made by a licensed building certifier. We check the zoning and approval pathway for your lot before we price the build. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/j-energy-efficiency/part-j1-energy-efficiency-performance-requirements https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2016-025 ## Steel-Frame Warehouses URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/steel-frame-warehouses A steel-frame warehouse uses hot-rolled steel portal frames (columns and rafters joined rigidly at the knee) to carry the roof and walls, with purlins and girts supporting metal cladding. It is the most common structure for single-storey industrial buildings because the frames span widely, go up quickly and are easy to extend. Builtwise designs and builds steel-frame warehouses; the same company also trades as Lockyer Sheds, a steel-buildings business based in the Lockyer Valley. ### How the structure is worked out The engineer sizes the frames, purlins, girts, bracing and footings for your span, eave height, bay spacing, doors, any crane beams or mezzanines, and the site's wind actions under AS/NZS 1170.2. Large roller doors matter structurally: under the wind standard a large access door is treated as an opening for internal pressure unless it is shown to resist the design wind pressure. Wind region is a design input confirmed by the engineer for each site. We do not publish a wind region for a town because the mapping datasets available online are indicative only. ### Why owners choose steel Steel frames suit buildings that may grow: adding a bay is a known, repeatable detail. Metal cladding is light, which keeps footings smaller, and openings can be placed almost anywhere in the wall. Where a tougher or more fire-resistant lower wall is needed, steel frames can be combined with concrete panels or blockwork to a set height. ### Design considerations - Span and bay spacing: Wider spans remove internal columns but increase frame size; bay spacing sets purlin and girt sizes. - Eave height: Set by racking, vehicles and any overhead crane, and checked against storage-height sprinkler triggers. - Wind actions: Site-specific design to AS/NZS 1170.2, including roller doors as dominant openings. - Cladding: Roof and wall profiles, colours, insulation and skylights chosen for heat, light and condensation. - Crane beams and mezzanines: Designed into the frame from the start rather than retro-fitted. - Corrosion exposure: Coatings and fixings matched to the site's environment, including coastal exposure. ### FAQ Q: Is a steel-frame warehouse cheaper than tilt-panel? A: In Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition) the Brisbane range for a 4,500 m² industrial building is $1,360 to $1,800 per m² with metal cladding and $1,460 to $1,960 per m² with precast concrete cladding. The right choice for your project depends on size, height, fire separation, security, lead time and how long you will own the building, so we price both where either could work. Q: Can a steel-frame warehouse be extended later? A: Yes, if it is planned for. We leave the end wall and footings detailed for an extra bay and reserve the space on the site plan. Q: Are you a shed company? A: Builtwise is a QBCC Builder – Open licensee that delivers complete commercial and industrial buildings including design, approvals, slab, services and fit-out. The same company trades as Lockyer Sheds for sheds, farm buildings and smaller steel structures. Sources: https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station/documents/Tech-Note-6-Garage-Doors-and-Other-Large-Access-Doors.pdf https://www.rlb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2026/01/2026-RLB-Rider-Digest_Queensland_Digital_2.pdf https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/builder/builder-open ## Clear-Span Warehouse Structures URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/clear-span-warehouses A clear-span warehouse has no internal columns: the roof frames span the full width of the building, wall to wall. It gives an open floor that suits racking layouts, vehicle movement, large equipment and changes of use. Builtwise designs and builds clear-span steel buildings, with the span, height and frame spacing set by how you will use the floor. ### The trade-off in a clear span Every metre of span adds size and weight to the roof frames and load on the footings. A clear span is worth it when columns would cost you usable floor, and less so when a row of columns sits naturally along an aisle. We test both with your layout before committing, because the most economical structure is the one sized to your actual floor plan. ### Designing for the whole life of the building Open floors are easy to re-plan, which is why investors value them. The same flexibility needs thought on fire compartment sizes, exits (NCC D2D5 limits travel distance to 40 m in Class 5 to 9 buildings) and lighting and ventilation across a deep floor plate. ### Design considerations - Span: Chosen from your racking and vehicle layout, not the other way round. - Roof pitch and drainage: Longer spans mean longer roof runs; gutters and downpipes are sized for the catchment. - Natural light: Roof skylights and wall translucent sheets across a deep floor plate. - Egress: Exit positions for a large open floor, within NCC travel-distance limits. - Footings: Larger frame reactions at the columns, designed for the site's soil classification. ### FAQ Q: How wide can a clear-span warehouse be? A: Span is an engineering decision for each project, based on height, roof loads, wind actions and cost. We size it to your layout and show you the cost of wider spans against adding a column line. Q: Is clear-span the same as steel-frame? A: Clear-span describes the layout (no internal columns). It is usually achieved with steel portal frames, so most clear-span warehouses are steel-frame buildings, but not every steel-frame building is clear-span. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/d-access-and-egress/part-d2-provision-escape https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation ## Tilt-Panel Warehouse Construction URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/tilt-panel-warehouses Tilt-up (tilt-panel) construction casts reinforced concrete wall panels flat on site, usually on the building slab or a casting bed, then lifts them upright with a crane and braces them until the roof structure ties them in. It produces durable, secure concrete walls and suits larger warehouses and buildings that need fire separation. Builtwise designs and constructs tilt-panel warehouses in Queensland. ### How a tilt-panel build runs The slab is poured first and often doubles as the casting bed. Panels are formed, reinforced, fitted with lifting and bracing inserts and cast in sequence. Once they reach strength a crane stands them up, they are temporarily braced, and the roof structure then ties the walls together. In Queensland this work is governed by the Tilt-up and pre-cast construction Code of Practice 2003. Lifting inserts and braces are engineered, the casting bed must carry the panels and, where the crane stands on it, the crane loads (verified by an engineer), and crane selection, access and siting are planned early. ### When tilt-panel is the right call Concrete walls give fire resistance, durability, acoustic mass and security. They make sense on boundary walls and for large buildings where compartment separation is needed. They need crane access, space on site to cast and a programme that allows for panel curing, so on tight or small sites a steel frame with a concrete lower wall can be the better answer. We price both where either works. ### Design considerations - Crane access: Crane size, standing area and reach planned with the panel layout and site boundaries. - Casting sequence: Panel stacking and casting order on the slab, which drives the programme. - Engineering: Panels, inserts and temporary bracing engineered; bracing checked for wind during construction. - Openings and finishes: Door and window openings, reveals and off-form or painted finishes decided before casting. - Boundary walls: Fire-rated walls on or near boundaries are a common reason to choose concrete. - Joints and sealing: Panel joints detailed for weather tightness and movement. ### FAQ Q: Are tilt-up panels load-bearing? A: They can be. Tilt-up panels can be designed to carry roof loads as well as enclose the building, or to act as cladding on a steel frame. The engineer decides this for each project. Q: What does tilt-up construction cost per square metre? A: Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition) gives $1,460 to $1,960 per m² of gross floor area for a 4,500 m² Brisbane industrial building with precast concrete cladding, at fourth-quarter 2025 rates, excluding GST, land, fees, site works, hardstands and roadworks. That is a benchmark for precast-clad buildings generally, not a quote for tilt-up on your site. Q: Is tilt-up faster than other methods? A: Walls can go up quickly once panels have cured, but the programme depends on the slab, casting sequence, curing and crane availability. We compare programmes for tilt-panel and steel options at concept stage. Sources: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/18060/tilt-up-pre-cast-cop-2003.pdf https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/_resources/documents/pdf/codes-of-practice/precast-tiltup-concrete-elements-in-building-construction-cop.pdf https://www.rlb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2026/01/2026-RLB-Rider-Digest_Queensland_Digital_2.pdf https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation ## Commercial Workshops URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/commercial-workshops A commercial workshop is a building for repairing, servicing or fabricating: vehicle and plant workshops, trade premises, fabrication bays and service centres. Under the NCC a building where goods are repaired or produced is Class 8. Builtwise designs and builds workshops with the door sizes, floor loads, crane beams, services and amenities the work needs. ### Designing a workshop around the work Workshops carry loads a storage building never sees: vehicle hoists and pits, gantry or overhead cranes, heavy machinery bases, compressed air and three-phase power at each bay, wash-down areas and oil separation. Each has structural, slab or services consequences, so we list the equipment first and design the building around it. Staff amenities, lighting, ventilation and noise all matter more in a building people work in all day than in a storage shed. ### Design considerations - Doors: Height and width for the largest vehicle or machine, with wind-rated large access doors. - Crane beams: Gantry or overhead crane capacity designed into the frame and footings. - Slab: Thickness and reinforcement for hoists, machinery and point loads; pits and trench drains set out early. - Services: Three-phase power, compressed air, water and trade waste positioned per bay. - Mezzanine: Storage or office mezzanine designed with the structure. ### FAQ Q: What building class is a workshop? A: A workshop where goods or vehicles are repaired is generally Class 8 under the NCC; QBCC's summary includes mechanics' workshops in Class 8. An attached office is usually Class 5. Q: Can you include an overhead crane? A: Yes. Crane capacity, span and runway length are designed into the columns, crane beams and footings from the start. Q: Do I need council approval as well as a building approval? A: Often, yes. In Queensland a planning scheme sets whether a use is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable (Planning Act 2016, s44). If a development permit is needed, council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact applications under the Development Assessment Rules, plus public notification of at least 15 business days for impact assessment. The building approval is a separate decision made by a licensed building certifier. We check the zoning and approval pathway for your lot before we price the build. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/news/building-classes-building-codes-australia https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station/documents/Tech-Note-6-Garage-Doors-and-Other-Large-Access-Doors.pdf ## Manufacturing Facilities URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/manufacturing-facilities Builtwise designs and builds manufacturing buildings for Queensland businesses: process halls, production floors, packing areas and the storage, office and amenities around them. A manufacturing building is Class 8 under the NCC, and its layout has to follow the production line, the services it consumes and the way materials and finished goods move through the site. ### Process first We start with a process flow: where raw materials arrive, each production step, work-in-progress storage, packing, finished goods and dispatch. That flow sets the building's shape, door positions and internal zones. Utilities come next: electrical load, compressed air, water, gas, dust or fume extraction and trade waste, each of which needs space and structure. Designing the process into the building up front avoids the most expensive mistake in manufacturing buildings: a structure that fights the production line. ### Compliance that follows the process Manufacturing can bring specific requirements: hazardous materials storage, occupancies of excessive hazard that trigger sprinklers (NCC E1D13), energy-efficiency requirements for conditioned areas (Section J), and environmental conditions attached to the development approval. We raise them with you and the consultants at concept stage. ### Design considerations - Process flow: Building shape and doors set by the production line and material movement. - Utilities: Power, air, water, gas and extraction planned with space and structural support. - Floor: Slab for machinery loads, with joints, falls and finishes suited to the process. - Hygiene and wash-down: Finishes and drainage for food or clean processes where required. - Fire and hazards: Sprinkler triggers and hazardous goods requirements identified early. - Staff: Amenities, lunch rooms, lighting and ventilation for people working all day. ### FAQ Q: Can you build a factory with offices at the front? A: Yes. A Class 8 production area with an attached Class 5 office and amenities is a common combination; each part meets the requirements for its class. Q: Do you work with our process engineers or equipment suppliers? A: Yes. We coordinate with your equipment suppliers and consultants so the slab, structure, services and openings are ready for the equipment when it arrives. Q: Do I need council approval as well as a building approval? A: Often, yes. In Queensland a planning scheme sets whether a use is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable (Planning Act 2016, s44). If a development permit is needed, council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact applications under the Development Assessment Rules, plus public notification of at least 15 business days for impact assessment. The building approval is a separate decision made by a licensed building certifier. We check the zoning and approval pathway for your lot before we price the build. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/j-energy-efficiency/part-j1-energy-efficiency-performance-requirements https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/news/building-classes-building-codes-australia ## Mixed-Use Industrial & Office Buildings URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/industrial-office-buildings A mixed-use industrial building combines a warehouse or production area with office space, often a showroom or trade counter, in one building. Each part has its own NCC classification (Class 7b or 8 for the industrial area, Class 5 for the office, Class 6 for retail) and must meet that class's requirements. Builtwise designs and builds these buildings so the office, the floor and the yard work together. ### Two buildings in one Offices and warehouses have different requirements for fire separation, energy efficiency, accessibility, lighting and comfort. NCC A6G12 requires a building with several classifications to meet each one, with the more stringent requirement applying where they conflict. A minor use under 10% of a storey's floor area can take the main classification in some cases (A6G1). Getting the boundary between the office and the industrial floor right (fire separation, acoustic separation, a clear line for air-conditioning) saves cost and gives staff a better workplace. ### Design considerations - Frontage: Street presence, entry, visitor parking and signage zones. - Separation: Fire and acoustic separation between office and industrial areas. - Energy: Air-conditioned offices are subject to NCC Section J energy requirements. - Access: Accessible entry, amenities and lift where the office is on two levels. - Visibility: Office windows overlooking the floor or yard where supervision matters. ### FAQ Q: What does an attached office cost compared with the warehouse? A: Offices cost more per square metre than warehouse space. Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition) lists attached air-conditioned offices of 200 m² at $3,100 to $3,500 per m² in Brisbane, compared with $1,360 to $1,800 per m² for a metal-clad industrial building, at fourth-quarter 2025 rates excluding GST. Q: Can the office be on a mezzanine? A: Yes. A mezzanine office saves floor area and can overlook the warehouse; access, egress and accessibility requirements are designed in. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/j-energy-efficiency/part-j1-energy-efficiency-performance-requirements https://www.rlb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2026/01/2026-RLB-Rider-Digest_Queensland_Digital_2.pdf ## Design & Construct URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/services/design-and-construct Design and construct (D&C) means one contractor takes responsibility for designing and building your project. Builtwise manages the design, engineering, approvals and construction under one contract, working from your brief, so you deal with one party and the design is priced as it develops. Builtwise's in-house capability covers design, council approvals, construction and concrete, and it coordinates engineers, certifiers and specialist trades. ### Why D&C suits industrial buildings Industrial buildings are driven by cost per square metre and by operational fit. When the builder designs, every design decision can be priced as it is made: a wider span, a higher eave, an extra dock, tilt-panel against steel. You see the trade-offs before they are locked into drawings. Approvals are part of the scope. We check the planning scheme for your lot, prepare and lodge the development application where one is needed, and engage a licensed private building certifier for the building approval. Under Queensland law the certifier is independent: they must not design the building or carry out the work. ### Design considerations - Brief quality: The clearer the operational brief, the more accurate the early price. - Approval risk: Zoning and overlays checked before design effort is spent. - Cost control: Design options priced as they are developed, not after drawings are finished. - Single responsibility: One contract and one point of contact for design and construction. ### FAQ Q: What is the difference between design and construct and a traditional contract? A: In a traditional contract you engage designers first, then tender the finished drawings to builders. In design and construct the builder is responsible for both, so design and cost are developed together and you have one party accountable for the outcome. Q: Who approves the building? A: Council decides any development application under the planning scheme. The building approval is decided by a licensed building certifier under the Building Act 1975. Certifiers are licensed and audited by the QBCC and must not design or build the project they certify. Q: Do I need council approval as well as a building approval? A: Often, yes. In Queensland a planning scheme sets whether a use is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable (Planning Act 2016, s44). If a development permit is needed, council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact applications under the Development Assessment Rules, plus public notification of at least 15 business days for impact assessment. The building approval is a separate decision made by a licensed building certifier. We check the zoning and approval pathway for your lot before we price the build. Sources: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/approvals-inspections/building-certifiers https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/current/act-1975-011 https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2016-025 https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/93863/guidance-for-the-development-assessment-rules-july-2024.pdf https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/builder/builder-open ## Brisbane URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane Brisbane City Plan 2014 spreads industry across several zones: Low impact industry, General industry A, B and C, Special industry, Industry investigation, and the Mixed industry and business precinct of the Specialised centre zone. Which one your lot sits in decides what you can build and how it is assessed, so a Brisbane project starts with the zone and overlays for the specific lot. Freight is the city's industrial engine. The Port of Brisbane moved a record 1.62 million TEU in FY25, and Brisbane City Council projects the industrial workforce to grow by 18,000 workers between 2016 and 2041. For warehouse and distribution owners that means competition for well-located land, and a premium on layouts that use every square metre of the lot. Local facts: - Brisbane City Plan 2014 zoning data lists industrial zones Low impact industry, General industry A/B/C, Special industry and Industry investigation, plus a Mixed industry and business precinct of the Specialised centre zone. (https://data.brisbane.qld.gov.au/explore/dataset/cp14-zoning-overlay/) - The Port of Brisbane handled a record 1.62 million TEU and 34.9 million tonnes of trade in FY25, about $73.5 billion of international cargo. (https://www.portbris.com.au/w/strong-fy25-trade-through-port-of-brisbane) - Seven property developments across 26 hectares were delivered on Port of Brisbane land in FY25, and the port and its supply chain supported around 73,000 jobs (Deloitte, FY24). (https://www.portbris.com.au/w/strong-fy25-trade-through-port-of-brisbane) - Brisbane City Council projects the city's industrial workforce to grow by 18,000 workers between 2016 and 2041. (https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/content/dam/brisbanecitycouncil/corpwebsite/building-and-planning/documents/brisbane-our-productive-city.pdf.coredownload.pdf) - BoM station Brisbane (040913) records mean annual rainfall of 1,065.2 mm (1999–2026) and a mean January maximum of 30.4 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040913.shtml) - BoM station Archerfield Airport (040211) records mean annual rainfall of 1,061.1 mm (1929–2026) and a mean January maximum of 30.6 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040211.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 1,242,825 people in the Brisbane local government area (median age 36). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA31000) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Brisbane, including the Port of Brisbane area in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Brisbane? A: Brisbane City Council assesses development under the Brisbane City Plan 2014. The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Which zones allow warehouses in Brisbane? A: Brisbane City Plan 2014 has Low impact industry, General industry A, B and C, Special industry and Industry investigation zones, plus a Mixed industry and business precinct. The level of assessment for a warehouse depends on the zone, the precinct and overlays on your lot, so we check the planning scheme for your address before design starts. Q: Where is Builtwise's Brisbane office? A: Unit 3, 73-75 Steel Street, Capalaba QLD 4157, about 18 km east-south-east of the Brisbane CBD in a straight line. Visits are by appointment; call 07 2142 1772. Q: How far is Brisbane from a Builtwise office? A: Brisbane is about 18 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. None: serviced from the Capalaba office. ## Logan URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/logan Logan has two planning regimes side by side. Most industrial land is assessed under the Logan Planning Scheme 2015, which has Low impact industry and Medium impact industry zones and an Industry precinct within the Mixed use zone. Greater Flagstone and Yarrabilba are Priority Development Areas assessed by the State through Economic Development Queensland, not by council. A replacement scheme, Logan Plan, went through public consultation in late 2025 with more than 4,000 submissions and introduces risk-based flood mapping with stronger rules in higher-risk areas. Until it commences the 2015 scheme applies, so a Logan project needs a check of both the current zone and how the lot is treated under the draft flood mapping. Local facts: - Council's Logan Planning Scheme 2015 zone list includes a Low impact industry zone, a Medium impact industry zone and an Industry precinct within the Mixed use zone. (https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-and-building/documents/forms-factsheets-and-kits/logan_planning_scheme_2015___zone_descriptions.pdf) - Greater Flagstone and Yarrabilba are Priority Development Areas where development is assessed by the State (Economic Development Queensland), not under the Logan Planning Scheme. (https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-and-building/documents/forms-factsheets-and-kits/logan_planning_scheme_2015___zone_descriptions.pdf) - Logan's draft replacement scheme, Logan Plan, was on public consultation from 1 September to 31 October 2025 and drew 4,002 submissions; the 2015 scheme remains in force meanwhile. (https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-and-development/logan-planning-scheme/logan-plan) - Logan Plan introduces risk-based flood mapping, with stronger development rules in higher-risk flood areas and allowance for climate change. (https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-and-development/logan-planning-scheme/logan-plan) - The Coomera Connector (M9) is a planned 45 km motorway from Loganholme to Nerang, east of the M1 Pacific Motorway, as an alternative north–south route. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/coomeraconnector) - The 2021 Census counted 345,098 people in the Logan local government area (median age 34). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA34590) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Logan Central and Crestmead in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Logan? A: Logan City Council assesses development under the Logan Planning Scheme 2015 (replacement 'Logan Plan' drafted; consultation closed 31 Oct 2025). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Who approves an industrial building in Yarrabilba or Greater Flagstone? A: Both are Priority Development Areas, where development is assessed by the State (Economic Development Queensland) under the PDA's own development scheme, not the Logan Planning Scheme. Q: Will the new Logan Plan affect my warehouse project? A: The 2015 planning scheme remains in force until Logan Plan commences. Logan Plan introduces risk-based flood mapping, so if your lot is flood-affected we review both the current rules and the draft mapping when planning levels and layout. Q: How far is Logan from a Builtwise office? A: Logan is about 14 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. None: serviced from the Capalaba office. ## Ipswich URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/ipswich Ipswich City Council adopted a new planning scheme, Ipswich City Plan 2025, which took effect on 1 July 2025. Projects designed against the previous scheme need re-checking. Council is also advocating for the Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area near Willowbank as a future regional industrial area tied to Inland Rail, whose Helidon to Calvert section would end at Calvert, west of Ipswich. Established industrial areas carry their own constraints. In the Swanbank and New Chum industrial areas the State regulates odour from landfill and composting operations and maps impact radii of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 km. For food, cold storage or staff-intensive buildings, that is worth knowing before a lot is bought. Local facts: - Ipswich City Council adopted its new planning scheme, Ipswich City Plan 2025, on 29 May 2025 and it took effect on 1 July 2025. (https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/Services/Planning-and-Building/Planning/Planning-in-Ipswich) - Council describes the Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area as a future industrial area for South East Queensland needing catalyst infrastructure to support national supply chains and Inland Rail. (https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/About-Council/Initiatives/Advocacy/Ebenezer-Regional-Industrial-Area) - The Department of the Environment regulates odour from several landfills and composting sites within the Swanbank and New Chum industrial areas, mapping impact radii of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 km. (https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/management/monitoring/air/air-programs/odour/swanbank-new-chum/about) - The Inland Rail Helidon to Calvert section is a 47 km new dual-gauge line ending at Calvert, west of Ipswich; it is currently preserved for future delivery. (https://inlandrail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/helidon-to-calvert) - BoM station Amberley AMO (040004) records mean annual rainfall of 857.3 mm (1941–2026) and a mean January maximum of 31.2 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040004.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 229,208 people in the Ipswich local government area (median age 33). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA33960) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Ipswich and the Swanbank area in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Ipswich? A: Ipswich City Council assesses development under the Ipswich City Plan 2025 (in effect from 1 July 2025). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Which planning scheme applies in Ipswich now? A: Ipswich City Plan 2025, in effect from 1 July 2025. Earlier approvals and designs prepared under the old scheme may need reviewing against it. Q: Is odour an issue for industrial lots near Swanbank? A: The State regulates odour from several landfill and composting sites in the Swanbank and New Chum industrial areas and maps impact radii of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 km. It matters most for food handling and staff-intensive uses, so check where your lot sits. Q: How far is Ipswich from a Builtwise office? A: Ipswich is about 40 km straight line from the Crowley Vale head office. None: between the Brisbane and Lockyer Valley offices. ## Gold Coast URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/gold-coast The Yatala and Stapylton Enterprise Area, beside the M1 Pacific Motorway, is the Gold Coast's largest industrial area and is recognised by the State as a Regional Economic Cluster and SEQ Development Area. City of Gold Coast is investigating expanding it because many major industrial areas in South East Queensland are reaching capacity. Only a small number of areas in the city are zoned High impact industry. Road access is changing. Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector, about 16 km between Coomera and Nerang, is open, and the full M9 will run 45 km from Loganholme to Nerang as an alternative north–south route to the M1. For distribution and trade businesses along the northern Gold Coast, that changes which lots gain the most from freight access. Local facts: - City of Gold Coast describes the Yatala/Stapylton Enterprise Area as the largest industrial area on the Gold Coast, and notes only a small number of High impact industry zoned areas exist in the city. (https://gchaveyoursay.com.au/yatala?tool=brainstormer) - Council is investigating expanding the Yatala–Stapylton industrial area because many major SEQ industrial areas are reaching capacity; the area is recognised by the State as a Regional Economic Cluster and SEQ Development Area. (https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Projects-works/Yatala-Stapylton-industrial-area-expansion-investigation) - Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector (Coomera to Nerang, about 16 km) is open to traffic between Shipper Drive and Helensvale Road; the full M9 will run 45 km from Loganholme to Nerang. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/coomera-connector-stage-1) - BoM station Coolangatta (040717) records mean annual rainfall of 1,535.1 mm (1982–2026) and a mean January maximum of 28.5 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040717.shtml) - BoM station Gold Coast Seaway (040764) records mean annual rainfall of 1,302.2 mm (1994–2026) and a mean January maximum of 28.9 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040764.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 625,087 people in the Gold Coast local government area (median age 39). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA33430) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Southport, Yatala and Coolangatta in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Gold Coast? A: City of Gold Coast assesses development under the Gold Coast City Plan. The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Where is the main industrial land on the Gold Coast? A: The Yatala and Stapylton Enterprise Area next to the M1 is the city's largest industrial area. Council is investigating expanding it because industrial land in South East Queensland is under pressure. Q: Do you build in the Gold Coast hinterland? A: Yes, including Tamborine Mountain and Canungra. Steep sites and access for cranes and trucks are assessed at the site review. Q: How far is Gold Coast from a Builtwise office? A: Gold Coast is about 52 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. Serviced from the Capalaba office via the M1. ## Sunshine Coast URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/sunshine-coast The Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 has Low impact industry and Medium impact industry zones. Around Sunshine Coast Airport, the Maroochy North Shore local plan covers about 1,885 ha including the Airport Industrial Park, where Medium impact industry zoning is intended to complement airport operations. The same local plan notes the area sits on a low dune system and coastal floodplain close to sea level, which affects floor levels, stormwater and slab design. In Noosa Shire, Noosa Plan 2020 has Low Impact Industry and Medium Impact Industry zones, and a proposed amendment would rezone about 20 ha at Holts Road, Cooroy, for industry. Rainfall on the coast is high (the Sunshine Coast Airport station averages 1,492.6 mm a year), so roof drainage, hardstand falls and site stormwater get particular attention. Local facts: - The Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 commenced on 21 May 2014 and is amended from time to time. (https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/development/planning-documents/sunshine-coast-planning-scheme-2014) - The Maroochy North Shore local plan (about 1,885 ha) includes Sunshine Coast Airport and the Airport Industrial Park, with Medium impact industry zoning intended to complement airport operations; the area sits on a low dune system and coastal floodplain close to sea level. (https://publicdocs.scc.qld.gov.au/hpecmwebdrawer/Record/22407359/File/document) - Sunshine Coast Council completed a new 2,450 m x 45 m runway at Sunshine Coast Airport in June 2020. (https://www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au/corporate/projects-and-planning/scaep) - BoM station Sunshine Coast Airport (040861) records mean annual rainfall of 1,492.6 mm (1994–2026) and a mean January maximum of 29.1 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040861.shtml) - BoM station Nambour DAFF – Hillside (040988) records mean annual rainfall of 1,760.2 mm (2007–2026) and a mean January maximum of 29.4 °C (short 17-year record). (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040988.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 342,541 people in the Sunshine Coast local government area (median age 43). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA36720) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Maroochydore, Kunda Park and Caloundra West in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Sunshine Coast? A: Sunshine Coast Council assesses development under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (commenced 21 May 2014). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Can I build a warehouse near Sunshine Coast Airport? A: The Airport Industrial Park in the Maroochy North Shore local plan has Medium impact industry zoning intended to complement airport operations. Low-lying land and airport-related controls both need checking for the specific lot. Q: Do you cover Noosa and the hinterland? A: Yes, including Noosa, Tewantin, Cooroy, Nambour, Maleny and the hinterland towns in our service list. Noosa is assessed under Noosa Plan 2020. Q: How far is Sunshine Coast from a Builtwise office? A: Sunshine Coast is about 98 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. Serviced from the Brisbane office via the Bruce Highway. ## Moreton Bay URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/moreton-bay Moreton Bay's planning scheme sorts industry by precinct within the Industry zone: Light industry, Mixed industry and business, and Restricted industry. High impact industry is consolidated in the Narangba estate east of the Bruce Highway, medium impact industry at Narangba west of the highway, and Caboolture and other enterprise areas host low impact industry and service trades. A temporary local planning instrument over Narangba Innovation Precinct (East) means new Special industry is not supported there. New land is coming online in the north. Corporate Park East at Caboolture offers about 40 ha of usable land with lots from 1,000 m² to 10 ha and 24-hour general industry use, and the Elimbah SEQ Development Area covers about 1,500 ha identified in ShapingSEQ 2023 for future growth. Local facts: - Under the MBRC Planning Scheme, high impact industry is consolidated in the Narangba industrial estate east of the Bruce Highway and medium impact industry at Narangba west of the highway; Caboolture and other enterprise areas host low impact industry and service trades. (https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/services/building-development/mbrc-plan/v6/mbrc-planning-scheme-part-3.pdf) - A Temporary Local Planning Instrument over Narangba Innovation Precinct (East) took effect on 3 July 2020 and has since been remade by Council; new Special industry is not supported there. (https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Building-Development/Planning-Schemes/Narangba-Innovation-Precinct) - Council's investment arm reports the Narangba Innovation Precinct contributes $1.287 billion in output and hosts more than 200 businesses. (https://www.investmoretonbay.com.au/More-to-Invest-In/Industrial-Estates) - Corporate Park East, billed as Caboolture's first major industrial estate in 10 years, offers 40 ha of usable land with 24-hour general industry use. (https://www.investmoretonbay.com.au/More-to-Invest-In/Industrial-Estates) - The Elimbah SEQ Development Area covers about 1,500 ha of predominantly rural land identified in ShapingSEQ 2023 for future growth. (https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Building-Development/Reshaping-Planning) - The 2021 Census counted 476,340 people in the Moreton Bay local government area (median age 39). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA35010) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Caboolture, Morayfield and Narangba in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Moreton Bay? A: City of Moreton Bay (Moreton Bay Regional Council) assesses development under the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 (MBRC Planning Scheme). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Where are the industrial estates around Caboolture? A: Corporate Park East at Caboolture offers about 40 ha of usable land with 24-hour general industry use; Narangba Innovation Precinct and Brendale are the established estates further south. Q: Can I put a high impact use at Narangba? A: High impact industry is consolidated east of the Bruce Highway at Narangba, but a temporary local planning instrument over Narangba Innovation Precinct (East) means new Special industry is not supported. Check the current controls for the lot. Q: How far is Moreton Bay from a Builtwise office? A: Moreton Bay is about 55 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. Serviced from the Brisbane office. ## Toowoomba URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/toowoomba Toowoomba's Charlton Wellcamp Enterprise Area, west of the city at the Warrego Highway and Toowoomba Bypass junction, is the region's industrial focus: its local plan includes an Intermodal Facility Precinct of about 359 ha for rail-road freight and a Wellcamp Low Impact Industry Precinct of about 125 ha. Almost all of the region's High impact industry land is there. The $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, a 41 km bypass that opened in 2019, caps the range gradient at 6.5% and allows over-dimension and dangerous-goods vehicles. Toowoomba Regional Council keeps Medium impact industry at least 250 m and High impact industry at least 500 m from residential areas, which shapes where larger industrial buildings can go. Local facts: - Toowoomba Regional Council states Medium impact industry zones are generally at least 250 m from residential areas and High impact industry at least 500 m, with almost all High impact industry land in Charlton-Wellcamp. (https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/Plan-and-build/Zoning-subdivision-and-heritage/Zoning-and-land-use-approvals/Planning-scheme-zones-and-overlays) - The Charlton Wellcamp Enterprise Area local plan includes an Intermodal Facility Precinct of about 359 ha of developable land for rail-road freight interchange and a Wellcamp Low Impact Industry Precinct of about 125 ha. (https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/plan-and-build/planning-for-our-region/planning-scheme/2025-documents/9588512-07-22-january-2021-part-07-local-plans-v25.pdf) - The $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, a 41 km bypass from Helidon Spa to Athol via Charlton, opened on 8 September 2019. (https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/88317) - TMR says the Second Range Crossing caps the range gradient at 6.5% (versus up to 10% on the old crossing), allows over-dimension and dangerous-goods vehicles, and diverts up to 80% of heavy vehicles from the Toowoomba CBD. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Projects/T/Toowoomba-Second-Range-Crossing/toowoomba-second-range-crossing-factsheet-1216.pdf?la=en) - The State has designated Wellcamp airport a 'strategic airport' under the State Planning Policy, although it is not yet in the Toowoomba scheme's airport environs overlay. (https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/Plan-and-build/Zoning-subdivision-and-heritage/Zoning-and-land-use-approvals/Planning-scheme-zones-and-overlays) - BoM station Toowoomba Airport (041529) records mean annual rainfall of 737.2 mm (1996–2026) and a mean January maximum of 28.4 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_041529.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 173,204 people in the Toowoomba local government area (median age 39). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA36910) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Toowoomba and Wellcamp in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Toowoomba? A: Toowoomba Regional Council assesses development under the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme. The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Where can I build a large warehouse or depot in Toowoomba? A: Charlton Wellcamp Enterprise Area holds most of the region's High impact industry land, an Intermodal Facility Precinct of about 359 ha and a Low Impact Industry Precinct of about 125 ha, with direct access to the Warrego Highway and the Toowoomba Bypass. Q: How close is Builtwise to Toowoomba? A: Our head office is at Crowley Vale in the Lockyer Valley, about 41 km east of Toowoomba in a straight line. Q: How far is Toowoomba from a Builtwise office? A: Toowoomba is about 41 km straight line from the Crowley Vale head office. Serviced from the Crowley Vale head office, east of Toowoomba via the Warrego Highway. ## Lockyer Valley URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/lockyer-valley Builtwise's head office is at Crowley Vale near Gatton, the same site as its Lockyer Sheds business. The Lockyer Valley is on the freight route between Brisbane and the west: the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing starts at Helidon Spa, and Inland Rail's proposed 47 km Helidon to Calvert section runs through the valley and is preserved for future delivery. Flooding is the site question that comes first here. Development in flood-prone parts of the valley is regulated by Lockyer Valley Regional Council's Temporary Local Planning Instrument 2024 (Flood Regulation) alongside a flood hazard overlay, under the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme 2024. We check both before any floor level or layout is set. Local facts: - Lockyer Valley Regional Council's current planning scheme is the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme (2024 adoption documents dated July 2024), available with zone and overlay maps on Council's ePlan portal. (https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-services/strategic-planning/lockyer-valley-planning-scheme-2) - Development in flood-prone parts of the Lockyer Valley is regulated by Council's Temporary Local Planning Instrument 2024 (Flood Regulation), alongside a Flood hazard overlay map. (https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-services/strategic-planning/lockyer-valley-planning-scheme-2) - The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing starts at the Warrego Highway at Helidon Spa in the Lockyer Valley, giving heavy vehicles a 41 km bypass to the Gore Highway at Athol. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Projects/T/Toowoomba-Second-Range-Crossing/toowoomba-second-range-crossing-factsheet-1216.pdf?la=en) - Inland Rail's Helidon to Calvert section is a proposed 47 km dual-gauge line through the Lockyer Valley, currently preserved for future delivery. (https://inlandrail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/helidon-to-calvert) - BoM station University of Queensland Gatton (040082) records mean annual rainfall of 759.4 mm (1897–2026) and a mean January maximum of 31.7 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040082.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 41,101 people in the Lockyer Valley local government area (median age 39). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA34580) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Gatton, Laidley and Crowley Vale in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Lockyer Valley? A: Lockyer Valley Regional Council assesses development under the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme 2024. The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Is Builtwise based in the Lockyer Valley? A: Yes. The head office is at 2 Harm Drive, Crowley Vale QLD 4342 (phone 07 5466 5858), shared with Lockyer Sheds. Q: How does flooding affect building in the Lockyer Valley? A: Council regulates development in flood-prone areas through its Temporary Local Planning Instrument 2024 (Flood Regulation) and a flood hazard overlay. They can set floor levels and restrict uses, so we check them first. Q: How far is Lockyer Valley from a Builtwise office? A: Lockyer Valley is about 10 km straight line from the Crowley Vale head office. Home base. ## Gympie URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/gympie The Gympie Bypass (Bruce Highway Section D), a 26 km four-lane highway from Woondum to Curra, opened on 16 October 2024. It was built to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood, where the old highway through town frequently closed in floods, and avoids 53 intersections. For freight-dependent businesses, lots with good access to the bypass interchanges now have an advantage. Gympie Regional Council's planning scheme dates from 2013 and a new scheme is being prepared. With the Mary River's flood history, site levels and flood mapping are checked before any design. Local facts: - Gympie's current scheme is the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme (2013); Council is preparing a new scheme for the next 20–25 years. (https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/Development/Planning-Scheme) - The $1.162 billion Bruce Highway Section D (Gympie Bypass), a new 26 km four-lane highway from Woondum to Curra, opened to traffic on 16 October 2024. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-cooroy-to-curra/bruce-highway-cooroy-to-curra-section-d) - TMR raised the Gympie Bypass to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood, noting the old Bruce Highway frequently closed in the Gympie CBD and north and south of town due to flooding. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-cooroy-to-curra/bruce-highway-cooroy-to-curra-section-d) - The Gympie Bypass avoids 53 intersections (9 signalised) and is posted at 110 km/h, versus 60 km/h through Gympie on the old highway. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-cooroy-to-curra/bruce-highway-cooroy-to-curra-section-d) - BoM station Gympie (040093) records mean annual rainfall of 1,118.1 mm (1870–2026) and a mean January maximum of 31.2 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040093.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 53,242 people in the Gympie local government area (median age 48). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA33620) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Gympie in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Gympie? A: Gympie Regional Council assesses development under the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme 2013 (new scheme in preparation). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Has the Gympie Bypass changed freight access? A: Yes. The bypass opened in October 2024, is built to 1-in-100-year flood immunity and avoids 53 intersections, where the old route through Gympie often closed in floods. Q: Do you build at Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach? A: Yes, they are in our service area. Coastal exposure and access are reviewed at the site visit. Q: How far is Gympie from a Builtwise office? A: Gympie is about 153 km straight line from the Crowley Vale head office. Serviced from the Brisbane office via the Bruce Highway. ## Fraser Coast URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/fraser-coast Manufacturing is growing on the Fraser Coast. The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is building 65 six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built facility at Torbanlea, whose main manufacturing building has a floor plan of 30,650 m² with a rail connection to the North Coast line. Supply-chain and service businesses are following. The region is close to a wind-design boundary. Geoscience Australia's indicative mapping places Maryborough and Hervey Bay in Region B1 but Bundaberg, to the north, in cyclonic Region C. Wind region is confirmed by the project engineer from AS/NZS 1170.2 for every site, and near a boundary that check matters. The Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 applies. Local facts: - The Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 commenced on 28 January 2014; Council has consulted on Amendment Package 1 as part of a scheme review. (https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Planning-and-Building/Planning/Fraser-Coast-Planning-Scheme) - The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is building 65 six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built facility at Torbanlea in the Fraser Coast region, operational in 2026. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/queensland-train-manufacturing-program-qtmp) - The Torbanlea facility's main manufacturing building has a floor plan of 30,650 m², with a commissioning track and a rail connection to the North Coast line. (https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/torbanlea-manufacturing-facility) - BoM station Maryborough (040126) records mean annual rainfall of 1,143.7 mm (1870–2026) and a mean January maximum of 30.8 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040126.shtml) - BoM station Hervey Bay Airport (040405) records mean annual rainfall of 1,050.7 mm (1999–2026) and a mean January maximum of 30.3 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040405.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 111,032 people in the Fraser Coast local government area (median age 51). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA33220) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Maryborough and Hervey Bay in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone) — the same dataset places Bundaberg, to the north, in cyclonic Region C, so the region boundary lies close by; GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Fraser Coast? A: Fraser Coast Regional Council assesses development under the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (commenced 28 January 2014). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: What wind region applies on the Fraser Coast? A: Geoscience Australia's indicative dataset places Maryborough and Hervey Bay in Region B1 and Bundaberg in cyclonic Region C. The dataset is not for design, so the engineer confirms the region for each site from AS/NZS 1170.2. Q: Do you build in Maryborough and Hervey Bay? A: Maryborough and the Fraser Coast towns in our service list are serviced. Site visits are scheduled as part of the project. Q: How far is Fraser Coast from a Builtwise office? A: Fraser Coast is about 225 km straight line from the Crowley Vale head office. Regional: site visits scheduled with the project. ## Redland City URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/redland Builtwise's Brisbane office is in the Capalaba Industrial Area, which Redland City Council reports has about 48 ha of Low impact industry zoned land. The city's Medium impact industry land sits mainly in the Cleveland Enterprise Area (about 18 ha) and the Redland Bay Business Park (about 22 ha). Redland City Plan 2018 is the scheme in force; Version 14 took effect on 10 November 2025 and council has started work on a new Redlands Coast City Plan. With limited industrial land, Redland projects are usually about making a small lot work hard: building, parking, vehicle turning and stormwater planned together. Local facts: - Redland City Plan 2018 came into effect on 8 October 2018; Version 14 was adopted on 17 September 2025 and took effect on 10 November 2025, and Council has begun a new Redlands Coast City Plan. (https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/Planning-building-and-development/Redland-City-Plan/Redland-City-Plan-documents) - Council reports the Capalaba Industrial Area has about 48 ha of Low impact industry zoned land, and Capalaba about 12,339 local jobs (REMPLAN 2024). (https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/Business-and-investment/City-profile-and-data-hub) - Council reports about 18 ha of Medium impact industry zoning in the Cleveland Enterprise Area and about 22 ha in the Redland Bay Business Park. (https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/Business-and-investment/City-profile-and-data-hub) - BoM station Redlands HRS (Alexandra Hills, closed 2013) (040265) records mean annual rainfall of 1,271.6 mm (1899–2013) and a mean January maximum of 28.9 °C. (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040265.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 159,222 people in the Redland local government area (median age 43). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA36250) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Capalaba and Redland Bay in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Redland City? A: Redland City Council assesses development under the Redland City Plan 2018 (Version 14 in effect from 10 Nov 2025). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: How much industrial land is there in Redland City? A: Council reports about 48 ha of Low impact industry land in the Capalaba Industrial Area, about 18 ha of Medium impact industry in the Cleveland Enterprise Area and about 22 ha in the Redland Bay Business Park. Q: Can I meet Builtwise in Capalaba? A: Yes, by appointment at Unit 3, 73-75 Steel Street, Capalaba. Call 07 2142 1772. Q: How far is Redland City from a Builtwise office? A: Redland City is about 1 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. Home base for the Brisbane office. ## Scenic Rim URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/scenic-rim The Bromelton State Development Area, declared in 2008, covers 15,610 ha about 6 km west of Beaudesert, with about 1,800 ha designated for large-lot rail-dependent industry, intermodal freight, manufacturing and warehousing. It sits on the standard-gauge Sydney–Brisbane rail corridor, where SCT Logistics operates an intermodal rail freight facility. Inside the SDA, applications are assessed under the Coordinator-General's Bromelton SDA Development Scheme; elsewhere Scenic Rim Regional Council assesses them under the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020. The Mount Lindesay Highway Beaudesert Town Centre Bypass takes heavy vehicles around the town and improves access to Bromelton. Local facts: - The Bromelton State Development Area, declared in 2008, covers 15,610 ha; about 1,800 ha is designated for large-lot rail-dependent industry, intermodal freight, manufacturing and warehousing. (https://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/work-with-us/state-development-areas/current-state-development-areas/bromelton) - Bromelton SDA has access to the national standard-gauge network on the Sydney–Brisbane rail corridor; SCT Logistics operates a $30 million intermodal rail freight facility and warehouses there. (https://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/work-with-us/state-development-areas/current-state-development-areas/bromelton) - Applications inside Bromelton SDA are assessed under the Coordinator-General's Bromelton SDA Development Scheme, while Council handles other applications under the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020. (https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/Planning-and-Permits/Bromelton-State-Development-Area) - The Mount Lindesay Highway Beaudesert Town Centre Bypass diverts heavy vehicles around the town centre and improves access to the Bromelton area. (https://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/work-with-us/state-development-areas/current-state-development-areas/bromelton) - BoM station Beaudesert Cryna (closed 2014) (040014) records mean annual rainfall of 906.7 mm (1887–2012) and a mean January maximum of 30.8 °C (temperature from only 12 years, 1967–1979). (https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040014.shtml) - The 2021 Census counted 42,984 people in the Scenic Rim local government area (median age 46). (https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA36510) - Geoscience Australia's geospatial interpretation of the AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 wind-region map places Beaudesert and Bromelton in Region B1 (the 'SE Queensland' B1 zone); GA states the dataset is indicative and not for design, so the project engineer must confirm the region from the Standard. (https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/1170-2-wind-regions-for-australia) Q: Which planning scheme applies to an industrial building in Scenic Rim? A: Scenic Rim Regional Council assesses development under the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 (Bromelton SDA assessed under its own Development Scheme). The zone, precinct and overlays on your lot decide whether a warehouse or workshop is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, so we check them for your address before design. Q: Who approves a warehouse at Bromelton? A: Inside the Bromelton State Development Area, applications are assessed under the Coordinator-General's Bromelton SDA Development Scheme rather than the council planning scheme. Q: Do you build in Boonah and Rathdowney? A: Yes. Both are in our service area and are serviced from our Brisbane and Lockyer Valley offices. Q: How far is Scenic Rim from a Builtwise office? A: Scenic Rim is about 54 km straight line from the Capalaba (Brisbane) office. Serviced from both offices. ## Distribution Centre Construction in Brisbane URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/distribution-centre-construction Brisbane's distribution market is shaped by the Port of Brisbane, which handled a record 1.62 million TEU and 34.9 million tonnes of trade in FY25, and by the city's industrial zones under Brisbane City Plan 2014. Seven property developments across 26 ha were delivered on port land in the same year. For an operator, the scarce resource is well-located land, so the site plan (docks, apron, trailer parking and fire access) has to extract the most from every square metre. Lot zoning decides a lot. Low impact industry and the General industry zones (A, B and C) carry different expectations for hours, noise and vehicle movements, which matters for a 24-hour dock operation. We confirm the zone and overlays for the lot, then plan the dock face and truck circulation to suit both the operation and the assessment benchmarks. On larger floor plates, the NCC fire compartment limits for Class 7 buildings (5,000 m² for Type A construction under Table C3D3) are often exceeded, and the large isolated building route in C3D4 needs either open space around the building or sprinklers with perimeter vehicle access. In Brisbane's tighter estates, perimeter access usually doubles as truck circulation when it is planned from day one. Q: Can a Brisbane distribution centre operate 24 hours? A: It depends on the zone and the conditions of the development approval. Low impact industry and the General industry zones in Brisbane City Plan 2014 have different expectations for hours, noise and traffic, so we check the lot's zoning before designing the dock layout. Q: How big can a distribution centre be without sprinklers? A: Under NCC 2022, a Class 7 or 8 building of up to 18,000 m² and 108,000 m³ can exceed the normal compartment limits without sprinklers if it has no more than two storeys and at least 18 m of open space around it (C3D4). Storage of combustible goods above 4 m can still trigger sprinklers under E1D13. ## Tilt-Panel Warehouse Construction in Brisbane URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/tilt-panel-warehouses In Brisbane, tilt-panel walls earn their place on tight industrial lots where buildings sit on or near boundaries and fire-rated walls are needed, and on larger warehouses where durability and security matter. Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition) benchmarks a 4,500 m² Brisbane industrial building at $1,460 to $1,960 per m² with precast concrete cladding against $1,360 to $1,800 per m² with metal cladding, at fourth-quarter 2025 rates excluding GST, land, fees and site works. The practical constraint in established Brisbane estates is crane access and casting space. Panels are cast on the slab or a casting bed, and where the crane stands on the bed the engineer verifies it can carry the load, as Queensland's Tilt-up and pre-cast construction Code of Practice 2003 requires. On a small lot the casting sequence and crane position are planned before the slab is set out. Q: Is tilt-panel worth it on a small Brisbane lot? A: Often, when walls are on or near a boundary and need fire separation. The limiting factor is space to cast panels and position a crane, so we test the casting and lifting sequence on your lot before recommending it. Q: What does a precast-clad warehouse cost in Brisbane? A: Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition) gives $1,460 to $1,960 per m² for a 4,500 m² Brisbane industrial building with precast concrete cladding, at fourth-quarter 2025 rates excluding GST, land, fees, site works, hardstands and roadworks. ## Cold Storage Facilities in Brisbane URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/cold-storage-facilities Search for cold storage construction in Brisbane and you mostly find refrigeration contractors. A cold store also needs a builder: the slab and floor insulation, the insulated envelope, sealed docks, plant platforms, power and site works. Builtwise builds the building and coordinates your refrigeration contractor so the two are designed together. Brisbane's climate sets the load: the Bureau of Meteorology's Brisbane station records a mean January maximum of 30.4 °C, so envelope performance, door management and dock sealing all show up in running costs. Conditioned spaces also fall under NCC Section J energy-efficiency requirements. The zone of your lot under Brisbane City Plan 2014 decides how refrigeration plant noise and 24-hour operation are assessed. Q: Do I need a builder or a refrigeration company for a cold store? A: Both. The refrigeration contractor designs and commissions the plant; the builder delivers the structure, slab, insulated envelope, docks, services and site works. We coordinate the two under one programme. ## Manufacturing Facilities in Brisbane URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/brisbane/manufacturing-facilities Brisbane City Council projects the city's industrial workforce to grow by 18,000 workers between 2016 and 2041. For manufacturers that means competition for industrial land and staff, and buildings that have to work for people as well as machines: amenities, lighting, ventilation and parking all count. Brisbane City Plan 2014 separates Low impact industry from the General industry zones and Special industry. A process with noise, emissions, hazardous materials or 24-hour shifts may be better suited to one zone than another, so the zone check comes before the building design. Inside, a manufacturing floor is Class 8 under the NCC, and the process flow sets the building shape, door positions and services. Q: Which Brisbane zone suits a factory? A: It depends on the process. Low impact industry suits cleaner, quieter uses; the General industry zones and Special industry accommodate higher-impact processes. We check your lot's zone and the likely level of assessment for your process first. ## Distribution Centre Construction in Toowoomba URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/toowoomba/distribution-centre-construction Toowoomba is a freight crossroads. The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, a 41 km bypass opened in September 2019, caps the range gradient at 6.5% (compared with up to 10% on the old crossing), allows over-dimension and dangerous-goods vehicles and diverts up to 80% of heavy vehicles away from the CBD. The Charlton Wellcamp Enterprise Area sits where the Warrego Highway meets the bypass. Charlton Wellcamp's local plan includes an Intermodal Facility Precinct of about 359 ha of developable land for rail-road freight interchange and a Wellcamp Low Impact Industry Precinct of about 125 ha, and almost all of the region's High impact industry land is there. A depot or distribution centre in the precinct can be planned around B-double and road-train movements from day one. Toowoomba Regional Council keeps Medium impact industry at least 250 m and High impact industry at least 500 m from residential areas. For a distribution centre with night-time vehicle movements, a lot inside the enterprise area avoids most of the amenity conflicts that make approvals harder elsewhere. Q: Why build a distribution centre at Charlton Wellcamp? A: It sits at the junction of the Warrego Highway and the Toowoomba Bypass, its local plan sets aside about 359 ha for an intermodal freight precinct and about 125 ha of low impact industry, and it holds almost all of the region's High impact industry land. Q: Can the Second Range Crossing take over-dimension loads? A: Yes. TMR states the crossing allows over-dimension and dangerous-goods vehicles and caps the gradient at 6.5%, which helps both freight operations and the delivery of long steel members and precast panels during construction. ## Commercial Workshops in Toowoomba URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/toowoomba/commercial-workshops Search for commercial shed builders in Toowoomba and you mostly find shed franchises. A commercial workshop is a Class 8 building with crane beams, service bays, heavy slabs and three-phase power, and it needs a licensed builder who can deliver the whole building, approvals and services included. Builtwise's head office at Crowley Vale is about 41 km east of Toowoomba in a straight line. Toowoomba Airport's weather station records a mean annual rainfall of 737.2 mm and a mean January maximum of 28.4 °C, and the city sits high on the range, so ventilation, roof insulation and weather-sealed doors all matter for a building people work in. Council's separation distances for Medium impact industry (at least 250 m from residential areas) also affect where noisier workshop uses can go. Q: Is a commercial workshop just a big shed? A: No. A workshop is usually a Class 8 building under the NCC with requirements for fire safety, amenities, services and structure that a garden or farm shed does not have. It needs a licensed builder and a building approval. ## Distribution Centre Construction in Scenic Rim URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/scenic-rim/distribution-centre-construction The Bromelton State Development Area near Beaudesert is one of South East Queensland's few locations with direct access to the national standard-gauge rail network. Declared in 2008, it covers 15,610 ha, with about 1,800 ha designated for large-lot rail-dependent industry, intermodal freight, manufacturing and warehousing. SCT Logistics operates an intermodal rail freight facility and warehouses there. Approvals work differently inside the SDA: applications are assessed under the Coordinator-General's Bromelton SDA Development Scheme, not the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020. The Mount Lindesay Highway Beaudesert Town Centre Bypass keeps heavy vehicles out of the town centre. For a rail-linked distribution building, we plan the building, rail interface, hardstand and road access against the SDA scheme from the start. Q: Who assesses a development application at Bromelton? A: Inside the Bromelton State Development Area, applications are assessed under the Coordinator-General's Bromelton SDA Development Scheme. Outside it, Scenic Rim Regional Council assesses them under the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020. ## Manufacturing Facilities in Moreton Bay URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/moreton-bay/manufacturing-facilities Narangba Innovation Precinct is Moreton Bay's manufacturing heartland. Council's investment arm reports it contributes $1.287 billion in output and hosts more than 200 businesses. The planning scheme consolidates high impact industry east of the Bruce Highway at Narangba and medium impact industry west of the highway, with lighter industry and service trades at Caboolture and other enterprise areas. Matching the process to the precinct is the first design decision. A temporary local planning instrument over Narangba Innovation Precinct (East) means new Special industry is not supported there, so higher-impact processes need careful checking. For growing manufacturers, Corporate Park East at Caboolture offers about 40 ha of usable land with lots from 1,000 m² to 10 ha and 24-hour general industry use. Q: Where should a manufacturer build in Moreton Bay? A: It depends on the process impact. The planning scheme puts high impact industry east of the Bruce Highway at Narangba and medium impact industry to the west, while Caboolture's enterprise areas suit low impact industry. Corporate Park East at Caboolture offers new lots with 24-hour general industry use. ## Manufacturing Facilities in Fraser Coast URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/locations/fraser-coast/manufacturing-facilities The Fraser Coast is becoming a manufacturing region. The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is building 65 six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built facility at Torbanlea, operational in 2026, whose main manufacturing building has a floor plan of 30,650 m² with a commissioning track and a rail connection to the North Coast line. Suppliers and service businesses need buildings nearby. Two design checks stand out here. Indicative wind mapping places Maryborough and Hervey Bay in Region B1 while Bundaberg, to the north, is in cyclonic Region C, so the engineer confirms the wind region from AS/NZS 1170.2 for every site. And Maryborough's weather station records a mean annual rainfall of 1,143.7 mm, which drives roof drainage and site stormwater design under the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014. Q: Is the Fraser Coast in a cyclone wind region? A: Geoscience Australia's indicative dataset places Maryborough and Hervey Bay in Region B1 and Bundaberg in cyclonic Region C. Because the boundary is close and the dataset is not for design, the project engineer confirms the region for each site. ## How much does it cost to build a warehouse in Queensland? URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/warehouse-construction-cost-queensland Published: 2026-09-24 Rider Levett Bucknall's Riders Digest 2026 (Queensland edition, fourth-quarter 2025 rates) benchmarks a Brisbane industrial building of 4,500 m² with 6 m to the underside of the truss at $1,360 to $1,800 per m² of gross floor area with metal cladding, and $1,460 to $1,960 per m² with precast concrete cladding. An attached air-conditioned office of 200 m² is $3,100 to $3,500 per m². These rates exclude GST, land, professional fees, site works and drainage, hardstands and roadworks, so a real project budget is higher than the building rate alone. ### Published benchmark rates Brisbane industrial building cost ranges, $/m² of gross floor area, fourth quarter 2025, excluding GST (Rider Levett Bucknall, Riders Digest 2026 Queensland edition, p.16) | Building | Low | High | | --- | --- | --- | | Industrial building, 6.0 m to underside of truss, 4,500 m², metal (Zincalume) cladding | $1,360 | $1,800 | | Industrial building, 6.0 m to underside of truss, 4,500 m², precast concrete cladding | $1,460 | $1,960 | | Attached air-conditioned office, 200 m² | $3,100 | $3,500 | | Attached air-conditioned office, 400 m² | $2,800 | $3,400 | RLB describes its industrial rates as a simplified type of construction suitable for light industry, and excludes hardstandings, roadworks and special equipment, as well as GST, land, legal and professional fees, and site works and drainage. For comparison, the same table gives Sydney at $1,060 to $1,340 per m² (metal) and Melbourne at $1,160 to $1,600 per m². ### What the benchmark leaves out - Site works: earthworks, retaining, stormwater detention and drainage. - Hardstand and pavements for trucks and forklifts, often a large share of an industrial budget. - External services: power supply upgrades, water, sewer, fire water supply. - Design, engineering, certification and council application fees. - Special equipment: refrigeration, cranes, dock levellers, racking. - GST and land. ### The decisions that move the price most 1. Floor area and shape: larger, simpler footprints cost less per m² than small or irregular ones. 2. Height: taller buildings need heavier frames and more cladding, and storage of combustible goods above 4 m can trigger sprinklers under NCC E1D13. 3. Structure and walls: metal-clad steel frame, concrete lower walls, or full tilt-panel. 4. Fire safety: compartment sizes over the NCC Table C3D3 limits need the large isolated building provisions, and possibly sprinklers and perimeter access. 5. Office and amenities: office space costs roughly twice the warehouse rate per m² in the RLB table. 6. Site conditions: slope, soil classification, flood levels and access for cranes and trucks. Benchmarks are for comparing options early. They are not a quote. Builtwise prices each project from its own design, site and scope. ### How to get an accurate price quickly Tell us the lot address, the approximate floor area and height, what the building will be used for, how goods and vehicles move, and your timeline. From that we can check zoning and approval pathway, suggest the structure that suits, and give you a budget range before any detailed design is paid for. Sources: https://www.rlb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2026/01/2026-RLB-Rider-Digest_Queensland_Digital_2.pdf https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation ## What approvals do you need to build a warehouse in Queensland? URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/industrial-building-approvals-queensland Published: 2026-09-24 Most Queensland warehouse projects need two separate decisions: a development approval under the council's planning scheme (unless the use is accepted development on that lot) and a building approval from a licensed building certifier under the Building Act 1975. Under the Development Assessment Rules council has a 35 business day decision period for code and impact assessable applications, and impact assessment adds public notification of at least 15 business days. ### 1. Is a development approval needed? The Planning Act 2016 (s44) sorts development into prohibited, assessable and accepted. Assessable development is either code assessable or impact assessable. The planning scheme for your council area, together with the zone and overlays on your lot, decides which applies to a warehouse, workshop or factory. - Accepted development: no development application is needed, although requirements in the planning scheme may still apply. - Code assessable: assessed only against the relevant codes (a 'bounded' assessment). - Impact assessable: assessed against the whole planning scheme, with public notification. ### 2. Timeframes Key statutory periods under the Development Assessment Rules (Queensland Government guidance, July 2024) | Stage | Period | | --- | --- | | Council decision period (code and impact) | 35 business days | | Information request (within the decision period) | Up to 10 business days | | Decision notice issued after the decision | Within 5 business days | | Public notification (impact assessment) | At least 15 business days (30 with a variation request) | Days between 20 December and 5 January are not counted. Referral agencies and responses to information requests add time, so a realistic programme allows for more than the statutory minimum. ### 3. Building approval A building approval is a separate decision against the Building Act 1975 and the National Construction Code. It is issued by a licensed building certifier (s48). Business Queensland notes certifiers must be licensed by the QBCC, must not design the building or carry out the work, and must be engaged in writing with the fee stated. The QBCC audits certifiers and investigates complaints. ### 4. State-assessed areas Some industrial land is assessed outside council planning schemes. Priority Development Areas such as Greater Flagstone and Yarrabilba in Logan are assessed by Economic Development Queensland, and the Bromelton State Development Area near Beaudesert is assessed under the Coordinator-General's development scheme. This is general guidance, not legal or planning advice for a specific site. We check the planning scheme and overlays for your lot as the first step of every project. Sources: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2016-025 https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/93863/guidance-for-the-development-assessment-rules-july-2024.pdf https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/current/act-1975-011 https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/approvals-inspections/building-certifiers ## Tilt-panel or steel-frame: which is right for your warehouse? URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/tilt-panel-vs-steel-frame-warehouse Published: 2026-09-24 Choose steel-frame when you want an economical, easily extended building with openings anywhere; choose tilt-panel (tilt-up concrete) when you need fire-rated or boundary walls, security, durability or acoustic mass, and the site has room for casting and a crane. In Rider Levett Bucknall's 2026 Brisbane benchmark, a 4,500 m² industrial building costs $1,360 to $1,800 per m² with metal cladding and $1,460 to $1,960 per m² with precast concrete cladding. Many buildings combine both: steel frames with concrete lower walls. ### Side by side Tilt-panel and steel-frame warehouses compared (general guidance; every project is engineered individually) | Consideration | Steel portal frame, metal clad | Tilt-panel (tilt-up concrete) | | --- | --- | --- | | Brisbane benchmark, 4,500 m² (RLB, Q4 2025, excl. GST) | $1,360–$1,800 per m² | $1,460–$1,960 per m² (precast cladding) | | Fire separation / boundary walls | Needs added fire-rated construction | Concrete walls can provide fire-rated separation | | Security and impact resistance | Lower | Higher | | Extending later | Straightforward: add bays | Possible, planned around panel layout | | Site needs | Space to lay down and erect steel | Casting space on slab or bed, crane access and standing area | | Openings | Anywhere, easy to change | Set before casting | ### How tilt-up works Panels are cast flat on site, usually on the building slab, then lifted upright by crane and temporarily braced until the roof ties them in. Queensland's Tilt-up and pre-cast construction Code of Practice 2003 governs the work, and where the crane stands on the casting bed the builder should have an engineer verify the bed can take the loads. ### Are tilt-up panels load-bearing? They can be. Panels can be designed to carry the roof or to act as cladding on a steel frame. The engineer decides this for each project. ### A common hybrid A steel portal frame with concrete panels or blockwork to a set height gives impact resistance and fire separation where it matters and keeps the flexibility of steel above. We price the options side by side at concept stage. Sources: https://www.rlb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2026/01/2026-RLB-Rider-Digest_Queensland_Digital_2.pdf https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/18060/tilt-up-pre-cast-cop-2003.pdf https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/_resources/documents/pdf/codes-of-practice/precast-tiltup-concrete-elements-in-building-construction-cop.pdf ## Warehouse or factory? NCC building classes and fire rules explained URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/ncc-building-classes-warehouses-factories Published: 2026-09-24 Under the National Construction Code a warehouse used for storage or wholesale display is Class 7b, a building where goods are produced, assembled, repaired, packed or cleaned is Class 8, and an office is Class 5. A building can contain several classes and must meet the requirements of each, with the more stringent one applying where they conflict (NCC 2022, A6G12). Queensland applies NCC 2022 until NCC 2025 is adopted on 1 May 2027. ### The classes that matter for industrial buildings NCC 2022 Volume One building classes relevant to industrial projects (A6G6–A6G11) | Class | Use | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | 5 | Office for professional or commercial purposes | Attached office | | 7a | Carpark | Covered car parking | | 7b | Storage, or display of goods or produce for wholesale | Warehouse, storage building | | 8 | Process building: goods produced, assembled, altered, repaired, packed, finished or cleaned; laboratories | Factory, mechanic's workshop | | 10a | Non-habitable building | Private garage, carport, shed | A minor use of less than 10% of a storey's floor area can take the classification of the rest of that storey, except for laboratories and some other uses (A6G1). ### Fire compartment limits Maximum fire compartment size, Class 7 and 8 buildings (NCC 2022 Table C3D3) | Type of construction | Max floor area | Max volume | | --- | --- | --- | | Type A | 5,000 m² | 30,000 m³ | | Type B | 3,500 m² | 21,000 m³ | | Type C | 2,000 m² | 12,000 m³ | Larger buildings can use the large isolated building provisions (C3D4). Up to 18,000 m² and 108,000 m³, a Class 7 or 8 building of no more than two storeys with at least 18 m of open space around it can exceed the table limits; alternatively the building is sprinklered with perimeter vehicle access. Above those sizes, sprinklers and perimeter access are required. Perimeter access must be at least 6 m wide with its far edge no more than 18 m from the building (C3D5). ### When sprinklers are triggered - Any part of the building with an effective height over 25 m (E1D5). - Large isolated buildings using the sprinkler route in C3D4. - Occupancies of excessive hazard over 2,000 m² or 12,000 m³, including storage of combustible goods with an aggregate volume over 1,000 m³ stored higher than 4 m, such as goods in cartons (E1D13). ### Other provisions that shape the layout - Fire hydrants are required where total floor area exceeds 500 m² and a fire station with suitable equipment is within 50 km (E1D2). - Travel distance to an exit in Class 5 to 9 buildings: no point more than 20 m from an exit or a point with a choice of two exits, and no more than 40 m to one of them (D2D5). - Air-conditioned Class 5, 7b and 8 spaces are subject to an energy-use limit under Section J (J1P1). Clause references are to NCC 2022 Volume One. Your certifier and fire engineer confirm how they apply to your building. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/a-governing-requirements/part-a6-building-classification https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/d-access-and-egress/part-d2-provision-escape https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/j-energy-efficiency/part-j1-energy-efficiency-performance-requirements https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ncc-2025/ncc-2025-state-and-territory-adoption-information https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/news/building-classes-building-codes-australia ## Warehouse design guide: planning a building around your operation URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/warehouse-design-guide Published: 2026-09-24 Start with the operation, not the building: the largest vehicle you receive, peak vehicle movements, how goods are stored and how high, how many people work there, and how the business may grow. Those answers set the site layout, docks, clear height, column grid, slab design and fire-safety approach, which together decide most of the cost and how well the building works. ### Outside the building - Largest vehicle and its turning path, from the street to the dock and back. - Dock numbers and type (recessed with levellers, or on-grade roller doors). - Hardstand depth, pavement design and drainage falls. - Separation of trucks from staff and visitor parking. - Fire brigade access and hydrant coverage, which can double as circulation. ### Inside the building - Storage method and top-of-storage height. Storing combustible goods above 4 m can trigger sprinklers (NCC E1D13). - Clear height to suit racking and forklift reach. - Column grid matched to racking bays, or a clear span. - Slab thickness and joints for forklift and racking loads. - Natural light, ventilation and heat management. ### People and office - Office size, location and whether it overlooks the floor or yard. - Amenities for the number of staff and shifts. - Accessible entry and facilities. ### Growth Reserve space on the site for another bay or more docks, and detail the end wall and footings so the extension is straightforward. It costs little at design stage and a great deal later. Sources: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/e-services-and-equipment/part-e1-fire-fighting-equipment https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/c-fire-resistance/part-c3-compartmentation-and-separation https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station/documents/Tech-Note-6-Garage-Doors-and-Other-Large-Access-Doors.pdf ## What information do you need for a warehouse construction quote? URL: https://builtwiseconstruction.com.au/resources/warehouse-quote-checklist Published: 2026-09-24 For a useful first price a builder needs five things: the lot address, the approximate floor area and height, the building's use (storage, distribution, workshop, manufacturing, cold storage), the office and amenity requirements, and your timeline. Plans, a survey and a soil report sharpen the price but are not needed to start; a design-and-construct builder can prepare them. ### Needed to start 1. Lot address (to check zoning, overlays, flood levels and access). 2. Approximate floor area and height. 3. What the building is for and how goods and vehicles move. 4. Office, amenities and mezzanine requirements. 5. Timeline and whether the land is secured. ### Helpful if you have them - Sketch or plans - Contour survey - Soil (geotechnical) report - Existing approvals for the land - Equipment list (cranes, refrigeration, racking) ### What happens next We review the lot and brief, confirm the likely approval pathway, suggest the structure that suits, and give you a budget range. If you proceed, design and engineering refine that into a fixed-scope construction price. Sources: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2016-025