FREE QLD TEMPLATE

Notice of delay template (QLD)

A free, editable Word template for giving an initial notice of delay under a Queensland construction subcontract, plus a plain guide to filling it in so the notice counts.

Built by Tender Ready Tools, a Queensland-based engineer working in HV/LV project delivery. Published 30 October 2026

Items marked verify refer to legislation, standards or regulator guidance that changes over time. Check the linked official source and your contract before relying on them.

What a notice of delay is for

A notice of delay tells the head contractor, in the form the subcontract requires, that something has delayed or is likely to delay your work. It is usually the first step towards an extension of time (EOT) and any delay costs. Many subcontracts make it a condition: no notice within the period, no EOT. That is a time bar, and courts have often enforced them. Our guide to time bars and notices in Queensland subcontracts explains how they work.

There's no single statutory form for a delay notice on commercial subcontracts in Queensland. The contract decides the trigger, the period, the form and the recipient. Standard forms such as AS 4000 and AS 4903 subcontract conditions have their own clauses, and many head contractors use bespoke versions verify. This template gives you a clear structure that you adapt to your clause.

Before you fill it in: check four things in your contract

Trigger. Does the clock start when the delay happens, or when you became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of it?
Period. Business days or calendar days, and how many? Initial notices are often 2 to 10 days. Check how the contract defines a business day; it may differ from the BIF Act definition verify.
Form and content. Does the clause require you to cite the clause, describe the cause, or estimate the effect on time and cost?
Recipient and method. The named representative, a notice address or a project platform. Site minutes and verbal reports are often excluded.

How to complete the template

Parties and contract. Use your entity name exactly as on the subcontract, the contract number and the clause number for delay notices.
The delay event. Describe what happened in facts, with dates: when it occurred and when you became aware. Avoid argument; you can make the case later.
Cause. State what you consider the cause, such as late access, a direction, other trades, a latent condition, weather or a utility outage.
Likely impact. Give a preliminary estimate of the effect on time and whether it affects completion or a milestone. Note the likely cost categories even if amounts are to follow.
Mitigation and information needed. Show what you are doing to reduce the delay and what you need from the head contractor.
Reservation. Say you'll give a detailed EOT claim under the relevant clause by a stated date. The free EOT notice template covers that second step.
Send and record. Use the method in the contract and save proof of sending in your notice register.

HV/LV and electrical delay events worth noticing

An outage or switching window cancelled or moved by the network operator or asset owner.
Late protection settings, single-line diagram revisions or design information.
Late delivery of switchboards, transformers or RMUs supplied by others.
Repeat testing or witness points caused by others, or access restrictions that stand your crew down.

Never trade electrical safety for program. If a direction would compromise safe work under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 verify, record it, raise it and follow your procedures.

Delay notices and getting paid

A notice of delay is a contract notice. It isn't a payment claim under the BIF Act verify. If the delay leads to an approved EOT with costs, include that amount in your next payment claim. Our step-by-step BIF Act payment claim guide explains how.

Five habits that protect delay claims

When in doubt, send a short holding notice now. A late notice may be worthless.
Keep a weekly-reviewed notice register: event, date aware, clause, due date, date sent, outcome.
Keep site diaries and photos that show the delay as it happens.
Update your program and keep the baseline you can compare against.
Read the delay and EOT clauses at tender, not after the first delay. Our pre-bid red-flag checklist covers what to qualify.

Frequently asked questions

What is a notice of delay?

A written notice under a construction contract telling the other party that progress has been, or is likely to be, delayed by a specific event. It's usually the first step towards an extension of time.

What is a time bar in a construction contract?

A clause that says you lose the right to claim (for example, more time or money) if you don't give a required notice within a set period and in the required form.

What is the difference between a notice of delay and an EOT claim?

The notice of delay flags the event early. The EOT claim, usually given later, sets out the qualifying cause, the critical path effect and the number of days claimed. Many contracts require both.

Is there a mandatory QBCC form for delay notices?

Not for commercial subcontracts generally; the contract sets the form. Domestic building contracts have separate rules under the QBCC Act, so check the QBCC contracts guidance verify if that applies.

General information only, not legal, contractual or tendering advice. The template doesn't make a notice or document valid or effective; your contract and current law decide that. Check each item marked verify against the current official source.