By Thomas Pollock
Author of ‘Winning Government Business: The 6 Rules and 9 Absolutes’ & Founder of Gov Ready
Let’s not beat around the bush – the Queensland Government is spending big. And with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, that spend is only going to grow.
For those of you in the greenlife sector – nurseries, growers, landscapers, irrigation specialists, maintenance crews – this isn’t just a city thing. There’s real opportunity to get involved.
Why? Because governments don’t just buy stadiums. They buy the plants, the turf, the shade, the beautification work, and everything that makes a place feel welcoming, liveable and resilient.
We’re already seeing contracts for:
- Streetscape upgrades and urban tree planting
- Event village installations and temporary greening
- Native revegetation and restoration works
- Irrigation systems and water efficiency projects
- Long-term maintenance of public parks and facilities
And it’s not just for the Olympics. These kinds of projects are being funded now, across Queensland – through councils, state departments, and major infrastructure programs.
But here’s the thing: the businesses winning this work aren’t always the biggest. They’re the ones who look ready, show up early, and make life easier for government buyers.
So how do you do that?
You make your business easy to trust – and easy to buy from. That starts with a few simple but powerful steps:
- Update your website.
Make sure it’s clean, mobile-friendly, and clearly shows:
- What you do
- Who you’ve worked with
- The regions you cover
- Strong contact info
Bonus points for project photos, testimonials, and a story-driven “About” page.
- Create simple project case studies.
These don’t need to be flashy. Just tell the story:
- What the job was
- Who it was for
- What you delivered
- What outcomes or benefits were achieved (e.g. sustainability, community value, plant survival)
Add before-and-after photos if you have them.
- Build a capability statement.
This is a 1–2 page document that outlines:
- Your core services
- Key personnel
- Licences, insurances, and certifications
- Past projects
- Contact details
Write it in language that government buyers understand – clear, confident, and focused on delivery and compliance.
- Start (or strengthen) relationships.
Government work often flows through who you know – and who knows you.
- Reach out to your local council procurement team and introduce yourself.
- Connect with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors delivering public projects – they often need trusted suppliers.
- Attend industry briefings and networking events. Show up where decisions are being made.
How to Find Local Procurement Briefings
One of the best ways to get ahead is by attending government supplier info sessions and briefings. Here’s where to look:
- Your local council’s website – search for “Doing Business with Council” or “Supplier Information”. Many councils list upcoming briefings and contact points.
- GIQ updates and newsletters – these often promote relevant procurement opportunities and events.
- Government agency LinkedIn pages – follow councils, Transport and Main Roads, Housing, and others. They frequently post events and supplier news.
- QTenders and council supplier portals – registering ensures you get alerts about tenders, panels, and upcoming opportunities.
Ready to Begin?
You don’t need to chase every tender or overhaul your business overnight. But you do need to take the first step.
Here are three things you can do today:
And if you ever have a question or get stuck, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help.
thomas@govready.com.au
The greenlife sector is in the perfect position to help shape Queensland’s future. But government buyers can’t buy from you if they don’t know you exist – or if you’re not showing them what they need to see.
Now’s the time to step forward.
