Three Adelaide councils have joined forces with South Australian builder, Kennett, in a construction alliance designed to tackle rising costs and reduce the risk of budget blowouts to deliver community facilities.
The Cities of Marion, Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield have established the ‘BuildTogether’ alliance to change the way major projects are planned and delivered with the aim of reducing delays and securing better value for ratepayers.
The councils say the partnership will coordinate an estimated $250 million combined pipeline of planned capital works – including sporting, recreation and community facilities – over the next three years.
The work has already started, with Kennett to begin site preparations at Marion’s new tennis courts at Sturt Road in the coming weeks and mobilisation at St Clair Community Facility in February 2027. Work will also commence on design for Port Adelaide Enfield’s Port Reserve and Rushworth Reserve Clubroom developments.
The alliance follows the councils’ successful Build Big. Bid Smart. initiative, which challenged the construction industry to propose smarter ways of delivering major infrastructure. Kennett were recently engaged following a rigorous 12-month procurement process.
By giving Kennett greater visibility of upcoming projects, the councils aim to plan resources, subcontractors and construction schedules earlier, reducing uncertainty, avoidable delays and exposure to cost overruns, the local government trio said in a statement.
Established in Adelaide in 1914, Kennett is a fourth-generation South Australian construction company employing more than 100 people across its local operations and associated workforce. Kennett also works with South Australian suppliers, subcontractors and construction professionals, which will ensure the economic benefit from the alliance stays here in South Australia, the councils stated.
“Construction costs have been rising dramatically. With this deal, we can save time and reduce costs for our building projects,” said Mayor of Marion, Kris Hanna.
City of Charles Sturt Mayor, Angela Evans said her community expects the council to invest wisely while continuing to deliver quality facilities and infrastructure.
“And this partnership enables us to explore new opportunities to deliver great value for our ratepayers,” she said.
Mayor of Port Adelaide Enfield Claire Boan said her council has a responsibility to make thoughtful decisions about how it invests community money and seek out better ways to deliver for local residents.
“Working collaboratively with other councils gives us another opportunity to do that, and ultimately the success of this approach will be seen in the outcomes we deliver for our communities,” she said.
Kennett Director, Scott Kennett said the Alliance is an industry leading framework which will deliver efficiencies for the three Councils.
“After thorough and robust process, Kennett understands the requirements to ensure these projects are successful for all key stakeholders,” he said.
“We look forward to this efficient process, creating great opportunities for the community and all involved in delivering the project outcomes.”
Master Builders SA CEO, Will Frogley welcomed the new alliance.
“It’s a credit to the three councils for working together to challenge traditional procurement processes,” he said.
“Reducing duplication and unnecessary red tape is always welcomed by the building industry.”
The councils confirmed that each organisation will continue to approve and fund its own projects, undertake required community engagement and maintain existing governance and accountability requirements.
