November 18, 2012
Changes to the Local Government Act passed in State Parliament last week will support the South Burnett Regional Council’s plans to buy more locally produced goods and services.
Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said the changes would give Queensland councils the power to give more support to local businesses and jobs.
“This levels the playing field to make it easier for smaller local contractors to compete with the big boys when bidding for council projects,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Each council can now choose to place greater emphasis on one of the “five sound contracting principles” when setting selection criteria, including:
- Developing local business and industry
- Value for money
- Open competition
- Fair dealing and
- Environmental protection.
Mr Crisafulli said he would also encourage councils to simplify their tender documents.
“If a council wants to help develop a local industry, boost the local workforce or encourage new skills, they can tailor their tender process to suit,” he said.
“Tenders will still have to meet all the necessary guidelines, but the council can now decide if giving a job to a local business is more important to the economy than awarding a contract to an out of town tenderer at a cheaper price.
“Local councils know what is best for their communities. And if they can help a local tradesman put on an extra apprentice or an earthmoving company invest in new equipment, the whole community benefits.”
Last month the SBRC flagged that it wants to introduce changes to its current purchasing policy to inject as much as $6 million a year extra into the South Burnett’s economy.
However, Council staff expressed concerns at the time that restrictions in the previous Local Government Act might derail the Council’s good intentions.
- Related Article: Council Wants To Buy $6m More Locally
