About us
Our Leadership
Civwil is a family-built civil contracting business spanning three generations—founded by Dan and Scott Williamson’s grandfather, carried forward by their father Chris, and now led by Dan as Director and Operations Manager.
With deep industry roots and hands-on leadership, the team delivers reliable earthworks, subdivisions, and infrastructure solutions across Southeast Queensland, built on a legacy of quality, integrity, and real-world expertise
Our Values
At Civwil, a civil contractor based in Greater Brisbane, commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparency, and client success defines every project. Civwil is not just another civil contractor. The team stands apart by combining technical precision with a proactive and solution focused approach. As trusted earthworks specialists and subdivision contractors, Civwil delivers practical outcomes tailored to the specific needs of developers, councils, and private clients.
In House Resources and Equipment
Civwil operates its own fleet of modern excavation, earthmoving, and civil works machinery. Managing projects with in house resources allows full control over timing, site management, and quality assurance. This results in more efficient delivery and reliable outcomes for every client.
See our gear, see our rates—scroll down to hire smart.
Civwil is a Brisbane-based civil contracting company run by a third-generation family of earthmovers. We deliver quality-driven bulk earthworks, civil subdivisions, and infrastructure works using our own GPS-guided fleet. Our team works across South-East Queensland on projects ranging from 9-lot developments to large commercial sites.
Pricing Considerations in Civil Works
Understanding common civil construction terminology is critical for managing project risks, identifying cost saving opportunities, and accurately quoting works. Civwil helps clients navigate the complexity of bulk earthworks and infrastructure pricing through clear communication and transparent practices.
Key Cost Factors
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Bulk earthworks involve large scale soil or rock removal, addition, or relocation to prepare a site for construction. This includes cutting, filling, grading, compaction, and subgrade preparation.
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Excavation specifically refers to soil or rock removal, often for trenches or foundations. Earthworks is the broader process that includes both excavation and ground preparation activities such as grading and leveling.
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In civil construction projects, the terminology used in a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) can significantly influence both pricing and project execution. For example, "Backfill to be as specified under pavement" often requires CBR-rated or granular materials, which can increase costs depending on the engineering specifications. Drainage components such as "SRCP Class 3" or "Class PP pipes" also impact pricing, with different materials offering varying durability and cost outcomes. "Approximate excavation depths" must be carefully reviewed, as deeper excavations typically involve greater labour, heavier machinery, and extended project timeframes, driving up overall costs.
Standard sizing helps control expenses, as seen with items like "Field Inlet 900x600mm Type 2" and "ICC Manhole 1050mm Diameter," both of which streamline manufacturing and installation. Administrative requirements such as "Form 12 Documentation" add necessary certification costs to ensure compliance with local standards. In drainage systems, "uPVC outlets" provide an affordable standard solution, although costs can vary based on outlet size and specific site needs.
When specifications allow "approved equal substitutions," there may be opportunities to propose lower-cost alternatives without compromising quality. Higher-grade products, such as "Class D Aco Powerdrain systems," deliver superior performance but at a higher unit price. Additional items like "crane installations for tanks" can add significant costs to a project budget due to the need for specialised equipment. Safety requirements also affect pricing; for instance, "heel-safe Class B covers" are designed for high pedestrian areas and carry a premium due to their enhanced safety features.
Understanding the impact of these standard BOQ phrases ensures accurate pricing, better project planning, and cost-effective delivery across all stages of civil works.
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Retaining Walls
Rock boulder retaining walls provide a natural appearance and allow high wall installations above three metres. Concrete sleeper walls offer a more cost effective alternative while maintaining structural integrity.Soil Bridging with Lime Treatment
On larger projects, lime treatment improves soil stability and load bearing capacity. This offers a cost effective alternative to traditional methods for site remediation and road construction.Rock Excavation with Power Tools
Projects involving hard rock often require excavator mounted rock breakers. This increases both material handling time and equipment costs.
Managing cost, scope, and delivery quality is essential for every civil project. Civwil’s knowledge of standard BOQ terms, commitment to transparency, and innovative cost saving strategies ensure efficient, compliant, and high quality outcomes.
For tailored civil works solutions backed by experience, precision, and in house expertise, contact Civwil today.
Civwil Equipment & Operator Rates
This section appears under About Us, showcasing our in-house plant and skilled operators.
Civwil owns and operates a wide range of modern, GPS-equipped civil construction equipment. Our plant is operated by experienced professionals who understand safety, compliance, and project delivery.
Labour & Supervision
Labour rates reflect industry-standard pricing for qualified personnel across different responsibilities:
Labourer to Leading Hand ($90–$120/hr):
Covers general site work, trenching, and support for pipe or service crews.Site Supervisor ($150/hr):
Oversees works to ensure program, safety, and compliance standards are met.Director ($180/hr):
Involved in project management, client liaison, and high-level decision making.
| Role | Hourly Rate (ex. GST) |
|---|---|
| Labourer | $90 |
| Pipelayer | $110 |
| Leading Hand | $120 |
| Site Supervisor | $150 |
| Director (Project/Client Facing) | $180 |
Labour costs scale with responsibility, risk, and experience—offering flexibility from general hands to strategic oversight.
Excavators (All Rates Include Operator)
Excavator rates reflect machine size, capability, and technology (e.g., GPS-equipped):
Small (3–10t) Excavators ($147–$160/hr):
Ideal for residential or tight-access sites.Medium to Large (15–35t + GPS) ($200–$255/hr):
Suitable for bulk earthworks, deep trenching, and precision grading.
| Machine | Hourly Rate (ex. GST) |
|---|---|
| 3 Tonne | $147 |
| 5 Tonne | $155 |
| 8 Tonne | $160 |
| 10 Tonne | $160 |
| 15 Tonne + GPS | $200 |
| 20 Tonne + GPS | $215 |
| 25 Tonne + GPS | $235 |
| 30 Tonne + GPS | $240 |
| 35 Tonne + GPS | $255 |
GPS/UTS capabilities reduce rework and improve productivity, justifying the increased rate.
Compaction & Support Equipment
Prices vary by machine weight and performance:
Standard Rollers (8–21t): $120–$155/hr
815 Compactor: $355/hr (heavy-duty landfill or major fill compaction)
CTL with GPS/UTS: $190/hr (precision final trims or fill shaping)
| Machine | Hourly Rate (ex. GST) |
|---|---|
| Large CTL (GPS/UTS) | $190 |
| 8 Tonne Roller | $120 |
| 13 Tonne Roller | $125 |
| 18 Tonne Roller | $135 |
| 21 Tonne Roller | $155 |
| 815 Compactor | $355 |
The wide range accounts for job complexity—from basic pad prep to engineered fill placement.
Haulage & Grading Equipment
Haulage and grading rates reflect capacity and precision requirements:
Dumpers & Tippers ($110–$375/hr):
Rates increase with payload and off-road mobility (e.g., articulated 40t dumpers).Grader (14M + GPS/UTS): $270/hr
Enables fine trimming, crucial for roads and pavement formation.D6 Dozer with GPS: $270/hr
Suited for shaping pads, roadwork, or stormwater swales.
| Machine | Hourly Rate (ex. GST) |
|---|---|
| 30 Tonne Dumper | $255 |
| 40 Tonne Dumper | $375 |
| D6 VPAT Dozer + GPS | $270 |
| 14M Grader + GPS/UTS | $270 |
| Water Truck | $140 |
| 6 Tonne Tipper | $110 |
| 10 Tonne Tipper | $130 |
| Truck and Dog Combo | $210 |
GPS equipment ensures accuracy, reduces survey dependency, and speeds up production—especially on civil subdivision work.
Survey & Documentation
Surveying and reporting are critical for compliance and accurate as-built records:
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Mobilisation / Demobilisation (Plant) | $1,500 (flat rate) |
| Onsite Surveying (3 hr minimum) | $180 / hr |
| As-Constructed Drawings | $250 / set |
These services streamline approvals, final certifications, and ensure that work aligns with civil design plans and authority standards.
All rates are indicative and can vary based on:
Project location (travel time or remoteness)
Scope complexity
Duration or commitment level
Urgency or after-hours work
A tailored quotation is recommended for any live project. Let me know if you'd like this formatted into a web section or interactive pricing table.
Collaborations
Trusted by Leading Clients
Civwil proudly collaborates with respected builders, developers, and authorities across Queensland.