Determining accurate or even realistic unit rates seems to be a big issue for local government. I know for a fact it's an issue for both Bundaberg Regional Council, and for some of our neighbours, and I have seen a number of discussion about it on various other forums. I know it is true that the cost of an activity will vary considerably from location to location, but all-the-same I think an open database of typical unit rates for those works regularly undertaken by Councils would be a very useful resource for many Councils.
I have been thinking about this for a while now, and I think I have come up with a good way of getting the project happening.
If you are interested, please check out the Unit Rate page, for more information.