Aus-Spec

What is AUS-SPEC?

AUS-SPEC is the national local government specification system for the life cycle management of assets. It is a joint venture between IPWEA and NATSPEC, with the objective to improve consistency, quality, and efficiency in construction through proactive leadership of information.

Local government plays an important role in land use planning, development, approval, and construction of infrastructure in all Australian states. AUS-SPEC assists Councils in this role by providing documentation templates and guidance material for a systematic approach to the planning, design, and construction of new infrastructure assets. AUS-SPEC also provides documentation related to the maintenance of existing assets.

Councils using AUS-SPEC have achieved reduced claims and expenditure and increased efficiency. A particular advantage of the AUS-SPEC system is its consistency between Councils. Other benefits of using the specifications are listed below.

About NATSPEC

NatSpec logo

NATSPEC is a national not-for-profit organisation whose objective is to improve the construction quality and productivity of the built environment through leadership of information. AUS-SPEC is aligned to the NATSPEC National Classification System, which has been widely adopted by the construction industry.

IPWEA is renowned for its best practice, industry leading publications and training. Our solutions management approach is highly valued by councils, government and the private sector. AUS-SPEC was developed by IPWEA Australasia to provide nationally consistent civil specifications for councils that prevent duplication of effort and reduce costs.

The AUS-SPEC library of civil design, construction and maintenance templates brings a shared professional language and process to engineering projects. In the current environment of increasing pressure on resource allocation, these publications is a tool to streamline asset life cycle planning and maintenance, while maintaining the essential focus on community safety and risk prevention.

David Jenkins, CEO IPWEA

AUS-SPEC specification packages

AUS-SPEC packages include editable specification templates, guidance and examples for preparing specifications, tender and contract documentation, maintenance management plans and contract schedules for design, and construction and/or maintenance contracts for buildings, roadworks, urban and open spaces and public utilities.

AUS-SPEC specifications are updated annually in response to changes in regulations, standards, industry practices, and the evolving needs of our subscribers.

Visit NATSPEC website to find out more

AUS-SPEC resources

PDF: Case Studies and Brochure

PDF: Local Government Specification

Subscribe to AUS-SPEC

AUS-SPEC benefits for asset delivery

The system provides the following benefits:

Local government focused:

Planning, design, construction, and maintenance contract documentation requirements for local government assets.
Simple and easy to use.

For minor civil works:

Specification requirements are limited to the standard of minor civil works.
Addresses minimum best practice requirements.

A national document:

Applicable across all Australian jurisdictions.
Accommodates variations for metro/regional locations, climate zones, or locally available materials.

A reference-type specification:

Minimal customisation required.
Addresses the shortage of in-house technical expertise and reduces need for outsourcing.
Consistency for contractors specialising in local government work.
Performance and technical requirements separated from contract management requirements.

An industry standard:

Improved productivity and quality.
High quality outcomes at project level.