The Complete Brisbane Builder's Site Setup Guide
Everything you need to get a construction site operational in Brisbane and South East Queensland — from temporary power and portable toilets to security cameras and WHS compliance.
Setting up a construction site in Brisbane involves more than just breaking ground. Before the first trade arrives, you need power connected, toilets on site, security in place, and a stack of compliance boxes ticked. Miss any of these and you risk delays, fines, or theft that can blow out your budget and timeline.
This guide walks you through every step of getting a construction site operational in Brisbane and South East Queensland. Whether you're a volume builder setting up your 50th site, a custom builder starting a one-off project, or an owner-builder tackling your first build, you'll find a practical, sequenced checklist covering permits, power, amenities, security, and waste management.
We've been helping Brisbane builders set up sites since 1960. In that time, we've learned exactly what needs to happen, in what order, and how far in advance. This guide distils 65+ years of experience into a resource you can follow from planning through to project completion.
1. Planning & Permits
Before anything physical happens on your site, you need the paperwork sorted. Getting this right up front prevents costly hold-ups once trades are booked and materials ordered.
Building Approval
All building work in Queensland requires approval under the Building Act 1975. For new builds, your private certifier or Brisbane City Council will issue a Development Permit for Building Work. This must be in hand before you begin any site preparation, including installing temporary power.
If you're an owner-builder, you'll also need an Owner Builder Permit from the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) for any work valued over $11,000.
Site Plan
Your site plan should show the proposed location of your temporary power pole, portaloo, skip bin, and any other temporary structures. Energex will reference this when processing your connection application. A clear site plan also helps your certifier and council understand the logistics of your build.
Position your power pole where it won't need to be relocated as the build progresses. Front corners of the lot are common, but check with us — we'll advise based on your specific site and Energex requirements.
Insurance
Construction insurance (also called contract works insurance or builder's risk insurance) should be in place before any work begins. For licensed builders, this is mandatory under QBCC regulations. Owner-builders should arrange their own policy to cover the build period, including theft and damage to materials on site — another reason why security cameras are a smart investment from day one.
Council Requirements
Brisbane City Council (and other SE QLD councils) may require additional permits depending on your site. These can include footpath and road crossing permits for crane trucks, driveway crossover permits, stormwater management plans, and sediment and erosion control plans. Check with your council early — some permits take 2–4 weeks to process and can delay your start date if left too late.
2. Temporary Power
A temporary power pole (also called a builder's pole) is the first essential service on any construction site. Without mains power, your trades can't run tools, charge batteries, or operate lighting. Generators are a costly and noisy alternative — a connected power pole is cheaper, quieter, and more reliable for the duration of a build.
Poles and Holes has been installing temporary power poles across Brisbane since 1960. We handle every step — from the Energex Form 2 application through to installation, connection, and eventual removal.
Pole Types & Pricing
Stayed Power Pole
From $860+GSTThe most common option for residential builds. Secured with metal stays (steel cables anchored to the ground). Requires about 3m clearance around the pole for the stays.
Stayless Power Pole
From $960+GSTSelf-supporting pole that doesn’t need metal stays, making it ideal for tight sites, boundary builds, or locations where stays would obstruct access. Slightly higher cost reflects the engineering required for a free-standing installation.
Underground Power Pole
From $1,150+GSTRequired when the lot has underground power supply (common in newer estates). The pole connects to the underground Energex network via a pit and conduit rather than overhead lines.
3-Phase Power Pole
From $1,300+GSTHeavy-duty 3-phase supply for commercial builds, large renovations, or sites running high-draw equipment like concrete pumps, large compressors, or welding rigs. Available in both stayed and stayless configurations.
The Energex Form 2 Process
To get a temporary power pole connected to the Energex network, a Form 2 (Application for Connection of an Electrical Installation) must be submitted by a licensed electrician. This form notifies Energex that a new installation is ready for connection and requests a metered supply.
We handle the entire Form 2 process for you. Our licensed electricians prepare and submit the application, liaise with Energex on your behalf, and coordinate the connection timing. The typical turnaround from Form 2 submission to Energex connection is 10–15 business days (roughly 2–3 weeks). During peak building periods, this can stretch to 4 weeks, which is why we recommend booking your power pole at least 3 weeks before you need power on site.
What's Included
- Supply and installation of the temporary power pole
- AS/NZS 3000-compliant metering panel with RCD protection
- Energex Form 2 preparation and submission
- Liaison with Energex through to connection
- Removal and site restoration at the end of your build
3. Site Toilets
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Queensland), a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must provide adequate toilet facilities for workers at a workplace. On a construction site, this means having at least one portable toilet available from the first day trades are on site. Failure to comply can result in improvement notices from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) and stop-work orders that halt your entire build.
Beyond legal compliance, a clean portaloo on site is simply good practice. Workers who have access to proper amenities are more productive and more likely to stay on your job rather than finding excuses to leave site.
Our Construction Site Portaloos
Our construction portaloos hire from just $7.50 per day including GST. Each unit features a fresh water flush system, hand wash basin, mirror, soap dispenser, and GECA-approved toilet paper. Units are delivered deep-cleaned and sanitised, and we provide fortnightly servicing (pump-out, restock, and deep-clean) throughout your hire period at no additional cost.
20% Multi-Unit Discount
Running multiple sites or need more than one unit? We apply a 20% discount on each additional portaloo delivered to the same address or across multiple sites. Ideal for volume builders managing several projects simultaneously.
Placement Tips
Position your portaloo on level ground, ideally near the site entrance for easy access by the servicing truck. Keep it at least 5 metres from any food preparation or eating areas. Avoid placing it directly under overhead power lines or where it could obstruct crane operations. Our delivery driver will advise on the best position during drop-off.
4. Security Cameras
Construction site theft is a significant problem in Brisbane. Tools, materials, copper wiring, and even temporary power poles are targets. The Insurance Council of Australia estimates that construction site theft costs the industry over $1 billion annually. A visible security camera is one of the most effective deterrents available — and it doesn't need to cost a fortune.
4G Solar-Powered Cameras
Our security cameras are designed specifically for construction sites. They're 4G connected (no Wi-Fi needed), solar powered (no mains power needed), and stream footage directly to your smartphone via a dedicated app. This means you can have security monitoring on site from day one — even before your power pole is connected.
Cameras can be mounted on your temporary power pole (once installed) or on a standalone camera pole. Motion-triggered alerts notify you of after-hours activity in real time, and all footage is recorded for review. The mere presence of a visible camera with a flashing LED and signage dramatically reduces the likelihood of theft and vandalism.
Benefits for Builders
- 24/7 live streaming and recorded footage via smartphone app
- Motion-triggered alerts for after-hours activity
- No power or internet connection required
- Visual deterrent with LED indicators and signage
- Monitor subcontractor activity and site progress remotely
- Evidence for insurance claims if theft does occur
5. Site Fencing & Safety
Temporary fencing is a legal requirement for most construction sites in Queensland. Under the Building Act 1975 and local council regulations, you must prevent unauthorised access to your site — particularly to protect children and the general public from hazards.
Standard temporary fencing is 2.4m high galvanised steel mesh panels with concrete or plastic feet. You'll need to engage a fencing hire company to supply and install these before work begins. Budget approximately $6–$10 per metre per month for temporary fencing hire, depending on the supplier and your site's perimeter length.
Additional safety requirements include site signage (identifying the builder, certifier, and emergency contacts), first aid facilities, and a site-specific safety plan. Your principal contractor is responsible for ensuring all WHS requirements are met under Queensland's Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
WHS Compliance Reminder
While we don't supply temporary fencing, we strongly recommend having it in place before we deliver your power pole, portaloo, and camera. A fenced site protects your equipment and reduces theft risk significantly.
6. Waste Management
Every construction site generates waste — packaging, offcuts, demolition rubble, excavated soil, and general rubbish. You'll need a waste management plan and at least one skip bin from the start of your build.
For a standard residential build, a 6–8 cubic metre skip bin is a good starting point. You'll likely need it swapped out 3–5 times during a typical build. Separate bins for recyclable materials (timber, metal, concrete) can reduce disposal costs and help meet council waste diversion requirements.
Brisbane City Council requires construction sites to manage sediment and erosion control to prevent runoff into stormwater drains. This includes silt fencing, sediment traps, and stabilised entry/exit points. Your certifier will check these as part of their inspections.
Position skip bins where they can be accessed by the delivery truck without obstructing site operations. If placing a skip bin on the road or footpath, you'll need a permit from your local council.
7. The One-Stop-Shop Advantage
Most builders end up dealing with 3–4 different suppliers to get a site set up: one for the power pole, another for the portaloo, a third for security, and a fourth for the skip bin. That's 3–4 phone calls, 3–4 invoices, 3–4 delivery windows to coordinate, and 3–4 removal bookings at the end.
Poles and Holes is one of the only providers in South East Queensland that offers temporary power poles, portable toilets, and security cameras from a single company. That means:
- One phone call to set up your entire site
- One invoice instead of three
- Coordinated delivery — we can install everything in a single visit
- One point of contact for servicing, issues, and changes
- One call at the end to collect everything
- Package pricing when you bundle multiple services
For volume builders managing multiple sites, the simplicity compounds. Instead of juggling dozens of supplier relationships, you have one account manager at Poles and Holes who knows your preferences, your typical site layout, and your build schedule.
Volume Builder Accounts
We work with some of Brisbane's largest volume builders on ongoing accounts. If you're setting up 5+ sites per year, talk to us about account pricing, priority scheduling, and dedicated account management. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
8. Site Setup Timeline
Follow this timeline to ensure your site is fully operational on day one.
Book Power Pole & Submit Energex Form 2
3 Weeks BeforeContact us to arrange your temporary power pole. We’ll prepare and submit the Energex Form 2 application on your behalf. This is the longest lead-time item, so it goes first.
Book Portable Toilet
2 Weeks BeforeArrange your site portaloo delivery. Choose your servicing schedule (fortnightly is standard for construction sites). If you need multiple units, the 20% multi-unit discount applies automatically.
Book Security Camera
1 Week BeforeSchedule your 4G solar camera installation. No power needed — it’ll be monitoring your site from day one, before tools and materials even arrive.
Site Ready — All Services Installed
Day 1Power pole installed and energised. Portaloo delivered and positioned. Security camera mounted and streaming. Your site is compliant and operational from the first day of work.
Fortnightly Servicing & 24/7 Monitoring
OngoingWe service your portaloo every two weeks (pump-out, restock, deep-clean). Security cameras stream continuously to your phone. Power stays connected for the duration of your build.
One Call to Collect Everything
CompletionWhen your build is finished, one phone call to us arranges collection of the power pole, portaloo, and camera. We handle disconnection, Energex paperwork, and removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a temporary power pole?
Can I get power, a portaloo, and a camera from the same provider?
What type of power pole do I need for a residential build?
Is a portaloo legally required on a construction site?
Do the security cameras need mains power?
What areas do you service?
Ready to set up your site?
Get your temporary power pole, portaloo, and security camera sorted in one call. We've been setting up Brisbane construction sites since 1960.