Government may call for submissions in relation to an identified site that may either be vacant government land or contain existing public infrastructure. However, government may also encourage or accept bids involving alternative sites that are owned by others. Such alternatives may carry additional risks, especially where the site needs to be acquired from third parties. Alternative sites may, however, allow innovative solutions and promote a value for money outcome.
Another issue arising particularly in the case of alternative sites is whether government should own the underlying land asset or purchase services from a private party that owns both the facility and the land on which it is built.