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CONSTRUCTION. COMPLIANCE. SOLUTIONS.

Soil testing services for builders across South East Queensland

Send us your site address and plans. We investigate the ground, test it to Australian Standard methods and give you a report your designer can build a compliant footing system from.

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Call 0408 861 788

Bridging the gap between field operations and engineering outcomes.

20 years

Field-proven experience in construction

10,000+

Site classifications and investigations completed

CIVIL

And residential projects, single lots to subdivisions

QLD

Based & operating across South East Queensland

Fast

Turnaround times, usually within 3 business days

QBCC

Licensed under the QBCC Act Licence No: 1534 8305

Coastal Geo Consulting Licensee: Luke James Whittaker

Geotechnical consulting built on real construction experience.

Coastal Geo Consulting exists to build confidence in the ground beneath every construction project. We put experienced industry professionals at your fingertips to solve challenges, build clarity and achieve compliance specifically for your site, your project, your needs.

We specialise in geotechnical investigation & reporting, earthworks testing, construction quality assurance and project coordination. Our approach bridges the gap between field operations and engineering design, providing advice that is technically sound, clearly communicated and immediately actionable on site.

Soil testing by Coastal Geo

Field-Focused Approach

We work from the ground up — literally. Our recommendations are grounded in practical field observation, not just desktop analysis.

Clear Communication

Technical clarity without the jargon. We deliver reports and advice that builders, engineers and project managers can act on immediately.

Construction Knowledge

Our team understands how earthworks are built, not just how they're designed. That practical insight shapes every recommendation.

Data-Driven Outcomes

Every investigation and test is conducted to current Australian Standards, with results calibrated to real project conditions.

Technical capability across the full project lifecycle

Delivering clear insight, practical recommendations, and professional support for construction planning,

conformance and long-term stability for your project.

Site classifications, AS 2870 

Comprehensive site classification assessments for residential and commercial developments in accordance with AS2870. We determine reactivity, bearing capacity and foundation recommendations tailored to Queensland soil conditions.

More about site classification reports →

Wastewater investigations, AS 1547

Percolation testing and site assessments for on-site wastewater management systems in accordance with AS1547. We provide soil absorption data and recommendations for septic and advanced treatment system design.

Geotechnical investigations, AS 1726

Subsurface investigation programs including borehole drilling, test pitting and in-situ testing. We characterise soil and rock conditions to inform design, risk assessment and construction planning.

Earthworks and compaction testing

We scope the testing, coordinate it through NATA accredited laboratories and report the results against your specification and AS 3798 — compaction and field density, CBR, grading and material suitability. Cut and fill, subgrade, trench backfill and pavement.

Footing and slab design

Engineer-designed footing and slab solutions for residential and commercial structures, informed by site classification data and soil conditions to ensure compliant, cost-effective foundation systems.

RPEQ certification

RPEQ-signed certification and reporting for geotechnical investigations, site classifications and foundation recommendations — satisfying statutory, council and contractual obligations across Queensland.

Hydraulic conductivity testing

Field and laboratory hydraulic conductivity (permeability) testing to characterise soil drainage behaviour for wastewater design, stormwater management and earthworks assessment — conducted in accordance with AS1547 and relevant geotechnical standards.

Acid sulfate soil management

Identification, assessment and management planning for acid sulfate soil conditions in coastal and low-lying Queensland sites. We develop ASSMP documentation and monitoring programs.

Laboratory coordination

We determine the laboratory testing required for a project based on the design, construction requirements & applicable standards. Testing is coordinated through NATA-accredited laboratory partners, resulting data reviewed & interpreted by a geotechnical team to assess compliance.

Construction QA

Independent quality assurance oversight for civil and building construction projects. We develop and implement ITP frameworks, conduct hold-point inspections and provide compliance documentation.

Project coordination

Technical coordination between design engineers, contractors, clients and regulatory authorities. We manage geotechnical scope, scheduling and reporting to maintain project momentum.

Civl construction support

Integrated technical support throughout the civil construction lifecycle. From preliminary investigation through to practical completion, we provide hands-on geotechnical guidance at every stage.

WHY COASTAL GEO?

Built different. Built for construction.


Coastal Geo Consulting was established to deliver geotechnical services the way construction professionals actually need them, practical, responsive and technically sound

Practical Construction Knowledge

We understand how projects are built, not just how they're engineered. Our advice is grounded in real construction experience.

Fast Turnaround Times

Construction doesn't wait. We mobilise quickly, test efficiently and deliver results within the timeframes your project demands.

Strong Communication

Clear, jargon-free reporting and direct access to your project consultant. No layers of bureaucracy between you and the answers you need.

Real Field Experience

Our team has spent years working on active construction sites. We know what works in the field, not just on paper.

Queensland Industry Knowledge

Deep understanding of local soil conditions, regulatory requirements, climate factors and construction practices across South-East Queensland.

Flexible Project Support

From single lot classifications to multi-stage subdivisions, we scale our services to match your project requirements and budget.

Cost-Effective & Efficient

Lean operations and experienced staff mean competitive pricing without compromising on technical quality or service delivery.

Ready to Start?

Get in touch today

Request a Quote

PROJECTS & INDUSTRIES

Delivering results across every sector.


Coastal Geo Consulting supports projects ranging from single residential lots through to large-scale civil infrastructure and commercial developments.

Soil testing by Coastal Geo

Residential developments

Single lot, multi-lot and estate-scale residential projects across Queensland.

Civil Infrastructure

Roads, bridges, culverts and public infrastructure projects for councils and contractors.

Subdivisions

Greenfield and infill subdivision projects including staging and bulk earthworks support.

Roadworks

Pavement investigations, subgrade assessment and construction testing for road projects.

Coastal Geo projects
Stormwater Infrastructure

Pipe installation testing, trench backfill verification and drainage infrastructure support.

Earthworks Projects

Cut and fill operations, borrow pit assessment and material classification for bulk earthworks.

Commercial Developments

Retail, industrial and mixed-use development geotechnical support from feasibility to completion.

Local Government Support

Technical advisory and testing services for council infrastructure and development assessment.

What we Test

Site classification,

AS 2870

The report your building approval needs. We investigate the lot, test soil reactivity to the AS 1289 series and issue a site class your designer can nominate a slab and footing system from. Footing and slab advice comes as an extension of service if required.

Geotechnical investigations,

AS 1726

When a residential classification will not cover the risk, we investigate the whole site — boreholes, test pits and in situ testing for retaining walls, steep sites, deep cuts, undocumented fill, commercial buildings and civil works.

Wastewater and percolation testing,

AS 1547

Percolation testing and land application assessment for on site wastewater systems, with the soil absorption data your system designer needs to size a trench or bed.

Earthworks and compaction testing,

AS 3798

We scope the testing, coordinate it through NATA accredited laboratories and report the results against your specification and AS 3798 — compaction and field density, CBR, grading and material suitability. Cut and fill, subgrade, trench backfill and pavement.

Where we work

South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, from Caboolture out to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Ipswich.

Who does the work

Coastal Geo Consulting is run by Luke Whittaker, who has spent 20 years in construction, 14 of them in the geotechnical industry. He holds a Diploma of Laboratory Sciences, a Diploma of Project Management and a QBCC licence, and has worked on more than 10,000 site classifications and investigations across Queensland and New South Wales.

You deal with the person who was on your site.

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More about Luke

Classification and footing design in one engagement

We test the ground, classify the site to AS 2870, and take it straight through to a footing and slab design prepared by a qualified engineer. One quote, one programme, one person to ring, instead of waiting on two consultants to talk to each other.

Site Classification to AS2870 from onsite field testing assessment & laboratory test data

The engineer works from actual field data not a conservative assumption - footing and slab design prepared and certified by a qualified engineer

The designer works from actual borehole data, not a conservative assumption

One point of contact from the first call to the final design

OUR PROCESS

From consultation to completion.

A streamlined engagement process designed to keep your project moving.

01

Consultation

We discuss your project scope, site conditions and technical requirements to define the right investigation and testing strategy.

02

Investigation

Our team mobilises to site to conduct geotechnical investigations, drilling, test pitting and in-situ testing programs.

03

Testing & Assessment

Field and laboratory testing is completed and results are assessed against relevant standards and project specifications.

04

Reporting & Recommendations

Clear, actionable reports are delivered with practical recommendations that your design team and contractors can implement directly.

05

Ongoing Project Support

We remain available throughout construction for site inspections, additional testing, design queries and construction quality assurance.

Common questions


How much does a soil test cost?

Every site is priced on what it actually needs: the number of structures, whether the lot takes a drill rig or needs hand augering, and the depth of testing required. Send the site address and any plans and we will come back with a fixed price, usually the same day.

Do I need a site classification or a full geotechnical investigation?

A standard house on a conventional lot usually needs an AS 2870 classification. Retaining walls, steep sites, deep cuts, commercial buildings and civil works generally need a broader AS 1726 investigation. Send the plans and we will tell you which one covers you.

How long until I have the report?

Usually on site within 3 business days of booking, report within 2 business days of fieldwork. Laboratory shrink swell testing adds to that. If your programme is tight, say so when you book.

When can I reach you?

6am to 5pm, seven days. Ring outside those hours and leave a message and we will come back to you.

From recent Jobs

Verified Google reviews from clients across South East Queensland.

Get a Quote

Whether you need a site classification for a single lot or geotechnical support for a major civil project, we're ready to discuss your requirements and provide a scope of works tailored to your project.

Service area: Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Northern New South Wales.

Coastal Geo Logo

Coastal Geo Consulting Licensee: Luke James Whittaker Licensed under the QBCC Act · QBCC Licence No: 1534 8305


6am–5pm, seven days 


South East Queensland & Northern NSW

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