Three South Australian local councils have formed a partnership with Adelaide-based builder Kennett to streamline project delivery, control rising construction costs, and deliver upgraded community infrastructure across Adelaide’s suburbs.
The Cities of Marion, Charles Sturt, and Port Adelaide Enfield have launched the “BuildTogether” alliance to coordinate a combined AU$250 million pipeline of planned capital works over the next three years.
The joint procurement model aims to reduce project delays, limit budget blowouts, and provide greater value for local ratepayers by giving the builder early visibility over upcoming sporting, recreation, and community projects.
The alliance follows a 12-month procurement process under the councils’ Build Big. Bid Smart initiative, which invited the building sector to offer smarter methods for delivering public infrastructure.
Preliminary work under the partnership is already underway. Kennett will begin site preparations for Marion’s new tennis courts at Sturt Road in the coming weeks, while mobilisation for the St Clair Community Facility is scheduled for February 2027.
Design planning is also commencing for Port Adelaide Enfield’s Port Reserve and Rushworth Reserve clubroom upgrades.
“Construction costs have been rising dramatically. With this deal, we can save time and reduce costs for our building projects,” said City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna.
City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans and Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan both emphasised that the shared framework ensures prudent investment of ratepayer funds while maintaining transparency and local governance standards.
Kennett Director Scott Kennett described the framework as an industry-leading model that creates structural efficiencies.
“After thorough and robust process, Kennett understands the requirements to ensure these projects are successful for all key stakeholders,” Kennett said.
Master Builders SA Chief Executive Will Frogley welcomed the initiative, highlighting that reducing administrative red tape and procurement duplication benefits the broader building sector.
Each participating council will retain independent approval and funding authority for its respective projects while continuing standard public consultation processes.
