16 December 2022 - Local Spend At The Forefront of Revised Procurement Policy

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Published
16th December 2022

At the Local Government Meeting on Thursday 15 December 2022, Council adopted a revised Procurement Policy which embeds a greater level of local supply chain opportunities in Council’s procurement and contracting activities.

The revised policy has been developed specifically to further build upon Council’s previous support for local businesses within the region and at the same time provide greater administrative clarity for Council staff undertaking procurement activities by introducing the following:

  • definitions of ‘local supplier’ and ‘non-local supplier’.
  • low value contracts <$5,000 will require at least one written quote from local supplier where available.
  • mandating circumstances by which quotations must be sought from local suppliers only.
  • providing guidance on comparing local suppliers responding to large contract opportunities.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said the adoption of the revised policy is a part of a multifaceted approach to support local businesses within the Cassowary Coast.
“The development of competitive local business and industry is now an explicit priority in Council’s procurement processes with the policy promoting further opportunities for Council to prioritise local contracts and expenditure opportunities.

“Supplier Information Sessions during 2023 will provide opportunities for Council to directly engage with Cassowary Coast business and industry to provide clarity to local suppliers on operational and legal parameters by which Council performs its procurement activities.  For example, tender and request for quote processes and quality standards required for activities across Council’s operations.

“Council is a significant employer and purchaser in the region and, as a direct result of this revised policy, there is now greater potential for suppliers to do more business with Council and for Council funds to flow back into the community.

“This year, Council also pledged further commitment to our local business community by becoming a Small Business Friendly Council in collaboration with the Department of Employment Small Business and Training and forming the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC).

“EDAC members play an active role in shaping the region’s economic future and support building resilience to the current economic challenges we all are facing.

“Council is committed to generating positive social and economic outcomes through these initiatives and the revised policy provides local business and industry the opportunity for that more than ever before,” said Councillor Nolan.

Local suppliers and business can find further information on Council’s Procurement Policy at  www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/policies or by contacting Council at 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.