Loch Ard Blowhole Lookout – Early Contractor Engagement, Design and Construction

A new lookout is being created in the Port Campbell National Park, at the ‘Blowhole’, Loch Ard Gorge, approximately 7km east of Port Campbell.

A previous lookout was removed from the site several years ago due to potential visitor risks posed by the natural erosion of the limestone rock.

The Victorian Government is investing $5.5 million to build the spectacular new lookout, as part of Stage One of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan (SCMP), which is also delivering a new lookout at Saddle Lookout, at the nearby Twelve Apostles visitor precinct.

The Blowhole Lookout will provide a new visitor experience at this tucked away site, with a design that respects the environmental and cultural characteristics of the site.

Detailed designs have been prepared for the lookout comprising the following components:
- a curved fibre reinforced polymer canopy that will wrap around the norther potion of the Loch Ard Blowhole
- civil and structural engineering works to support the canopy undertaken by light weight construction techniques
- paths, fencing and other landscape construction works.

An exciting opportunity is available for suitably qualified contractors to work with Parks Victoria via an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process. A public (single stage) tender will be made available on the Buying for Victoria Website in early August, inviting submissions to participate in an ECI process as well as preliminary Design and Construct contract.

The successful tenderer will be appointed under an initial ECI Contract, under which they will be paid a fee to work with Parks Victoria and its consultant team to develop, refine and finalise the design and construction approach for the project. That process will ensure that Parks Victoria and the design team have the benefit of the unique buildability expertise offered by the contractor market, while also giving the contractor an opportunity to develop an intimate understanding of the design and the project prior to finalising its proposed price to construct the works.

At the end of the ECI period, contractors will be invited to tender a lump sum contract sum to complete any outstanding design work and construct the works under a ‘Design and Construct Contract’. If Parks Victoria accepts that proposal, Parks Victoria and the successful contractor will the enter into a Design and Construct Contract.

The terms of both the ECI Contract and the Design and Construct Contract will be issued with the invitation to tender.
Tenderers should note that the project is a Working for Victoria initiative, it will be registered with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) soon, and tenderers will be required to submit a Local Industry Development Plan (LIDP) as part of their tender submission.