Guide · Site setup · Brisbane & SE QLD
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.
Key timings
- Book power
- 4+ weeks ahead8 for a busy-road site
- Energex connection
- 2–4 weeks after the EWR6–8 weeks with traffic control
- At the end
- One call to collectonce your retailer disconnects
Site Setup Timeline
Follow this timeline to ensure your site is fully operational on day one.
4+ Weeks Before
Plan the Power Connection
Contact us early to plan the pole and connection application. We lodge the EWR when the electrical work is ready and email the reference for your retailer. Connection work by our electricians is charged separately; traffic control is free but extends the network timeframe.
2 Weeks Before
Book Portable Toilet
Arrange your site portaloo delivery. Standard construction hire includes fortnightly servicing; weekly servicing costs extra. Confirm unit numbers and delivery access for each site.
1 Week Before
Book Security Camera
Arrange the standalone solar camera bundle before equipment arrives. Confirm the camera position, sunlight and 4G signal. You manage app viewing and alerts; staffed monitoring is not included.
Day 1
Site Ready — All Services Installed
Confirm each delivery and the connection status before trades need the site. A pole can be installed without live power: the network connection and retailer metering have separate appointments. Have toilets available when workers need them and check camera app access.
Ongoing
Servicing, Recording & Site Checks
Standard construction toilet hire includes fortnightly servicing. The solar camera bundle records continuously with 10-day playback; download anything you need to keep. You check alerts and manage the response. Keep power equipment accessible for required inspections.
Completion
One Call to Collect Everything
When your build is finished, ask your electricity retailer to disconnect the power pole (we can’t remove it while it’s still wired). Then one phone call to us arranges collection of the pole, portaloo, and camera.
Setting up a construction site in Brisbane starts well before you break 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.
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
New builds generally need building approval. Some minor work is accepted or exempt under Queensland's building rules, while local planning requirements are a separate check. Read Queensland's guidance on work that does not need building approval. Confirm the approvals and conditions for your address with your certifier and council before starting the relevant work. Plan temporary power separately with your electrician and distributor.
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.
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 EWR through to installation, connection, and eventual removal.
The Energex EWR Process
- EWR to Energex connection
- 2–4 weeks
- if your site needs traffic control
- 6–8 weeks
- book ahead; 8 for a busy road
- 4+ weeks
To get a temporary power pole connected to the Energex network, an Electrical Work Request (EWR) must be lodged by a licensed electrician. The EWR notifies Energex that a new installation is ready for connection and requests a metered supply.
We handle the entire EWR process for you. Our licensed electricians prepare and lodge the request, liaise with Energex on your behalf, and coordinate the connection timing. The typical turnaround from EWR lodgement to Energex connection is 2–4 weeks, or 6–8 weeks if your site needs traffic control. That is why we recommend booking your power pole at least 4 weeks before you need power on site, and 8 weeks for a busy-road site. These are planning estimates, not guaranteed energisation dates; the retailer must also arrange metering. Electrician connection visits are charged separately. Traffic control is free but takes longer to arrange.
How the connection works, step by stepWhich pole do you need?
Stayed Power Pole
A galvanised steel pole secured by metal stays. The anchors sit about 2 m from the pole; allow the working area shown in our installation guide. Electrical-line exclusion requirements are assessed separately.
Best for
Standard residential builds with adequate space
Underground Power Pole
Required 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.
Best for
New estates with underground power infrastructure
3-Phase Power Pole
Heavy-duty 3-phase supply for commercial builds, large renovations, or sites running high-draw equipment like concrete pumps, large compressors, or welding rigs. Stayed and underground configurations are available; stayless three-phase is coming soon.
Best for
Commercial builds, multi-storey, heavy equipment
Stayless Power Pole
Self-supporting pole that doesn’t need metal stays, making it ideal for tight sites, boundary builds, or locations where stays would obstruct access. Contact us to register your interest.
Best for
Tight sites, boundary builds, narrow lots
Prices for every pole, with delivery, are on our price list. See hire prices
Not sure which pole fits? Send us your site plan and we'll advise.
What's Included
- Supply and installation of the temporary power pole
- AS/NZS 3000-compliant metering panel with RCD protection
- Energex EWR preparation and lodgement
- Liaison with Energex through to connection
- Removal and site restoration at the end of your build
Planning for a Permanent Power Pole?
Plan the permanent pole footing before the pour. We supply the reinforcement cage; your builder or concreter prepares the footing to the approved design. The published certification packs have design assumptions that must suit the site. Confirm soil conditions, required engineering and concrete readiness before installation. Standard Energex fees are additional to meter-box and connection packages.
RPEQ foundation spec for permanent polesSite Toilets
Provide adequate toilet facilities for workers before site work starts. Existing amenities may be suitable; otherwise arrange portable facilities. The required number and separate amenities depend on workforce, project value and current Queensland rules. See our Queensland construction toilet requirements guide and have the principal contractor assess the site.
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.
Placement Tips
Position your portaloo on level ground, ideally near the site entrance for easy access by the servicing truck. Keep it at a suitable distance from food preparation and eating areas under the site plan. 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.
Our Construction Site Portaloos
Our construction portaloos hire from just $7.50 per day excluding GST, with a 28-day minimum. Delivery is separate. 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.
View all portable toilet optionsHiring for more than one site?
Send the addresses, workforce numbers and dates for each site. We can confirm suitable quantities, servicing access and the delivery charge for each location. Construction hire does not use the event-toilet multi-unit discount.
Security Cameras
A camera can record activity while your team is away and help you review an incident. Plan the views around access points, materials or another priority area, and decide who will check alerts and respond. Cameras complement site access controls; they do not provide an on-site guard.
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 gives you app access to recorded site activity from day one — even before your power pole is connected.
The available solar bundle has two cameras on one dedicated pole: a fixed view of your chosen priority area and a pan/tilt view across the site. Both record continuously, with 10-day playback. Download footage before deletion. The fixed camera option on a hired temporary power pole is coming soon and will record events only. Neither package includes staffed monitoring.
In the solar bundle
- on one dedicated pole
- 2 cameras
- of continuous playback
- 10 days
- priority area and whole site
- Fixed + pan/tilt
- no site power needed
- 4G + solar
No staffed monitoring. You check alerts and manage the response.
Benefits for Builders
- 24/7 live streaming and recorded footage via smartphone app
- Motion-triggered alerts for after-hours activity
- No mains power or site Wi-Fi required; 4G signal is needed
- A visible camera installation and alerts for your team
- Monitor subcontractor activity and site progress remotely
- Evidence for insurance claims if theft does occur
Site Fencing & Safety
Temporary fencing is a legal requirement for most construction sites in Queensland. Under the Building Act 1975and 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.
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.
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 dates, confirmed for each product
- 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.
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.