TRC increases spending with local suppliers

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is showing its confidence in, and support for, the regional economy by continuing to increase its spending with local suppliers.

Council’s spending with local suppliers accounted for 64% of Council’s total January 2020 procurement expenditure, according to figures presented at February’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.

TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee chair Cr Mike Williams said Council was delivering on its commitment to support local suppliers through its purchasing activities.

Cr Williams said Council spent more than $12 million with local suppliers in January 2020.

“The January figure is further evidence that our procurement policies are supporting our local suppliers and businesses at every opportunity,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is close to achieving its local supplier expenditure target of 60% for the current financial year. We are sitting at 58% (or more than $104 million) for the financial year to date and I’m confident that the target figure will be achieved.

"Council wishes to offer every opportunity to local suppliers who meet all required criteria and consequently a 10% selection weighting will be applied to local suppliers when calling tenders.

"Council urges local suppliers to register business details with Council in order to identify themselves, their products and services and, therefore, to promote greater business opportunities.

“The current level of spending highlights Council’s desire to achieve value for money outcomes and delivers a direct $12 million stimulus to the regional economy.

“These numbers could be even stronger if we took into account dealings with some suppliers whose projects are using mostly local suppliers and workers.”

Interested business people can call 131 872 or register their details at www.tr.qld.gov.au/doingbusiness

Downs Office Equipment and Supplies General Manager Dale Robbins said the firm had employed an extra casual employee after it recently was awarded a Council contract.

Mr Robbins said the flow-on effect of the contract had fostered employment stability in the firm’s workforce and could lead to the purchase of an additional delivery vehicle from a local supplier.

“Best of all, the profits from the new Council business will see the monetary benefits being realised directly in the Toowoomba community,” Mr Robbins said.

“Apart from the financial benefit, there is the added advantage of more timely deliveries and greater business efficiency for Council when dealing with a local firm.”