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

A man in work attire standing next to a large yellow construction vehicle with a "Civvil Earthworks" logo on it, at a construction site.
A family tree diagram with five silhouette figures connected by lines, representing family relationships, on a transparent background.

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.

Brisbane bulk earthworks

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

Construction site with a yellow excavator digging in the dirt, surrounded by a pink safety fence, with a street lined with parked cars and trees in the background.

Collaborations

Trusted by Leading Clients
 Civwil proudly collaborates with respected builders, developers, and authorities across Queensland.