Local buy policy paying dividends for the local economy

Published on 24 November 2015

Mayor Strelow said Rockhampton Regional Council’s 'local buy' policy implemented 12 months ago is really paying dividends for the local economy.

“Under the policy council is prepared to pay up to 12% more to buy from a  local business,” Mayor Strelow said.

"We were the first Council off the mark last November to increase our local preference weighting for local businesses to 12% (up from 5%) and this policy ensures that Council will always consider our local businesses first when sourcing for tenders or general  business needs," Mayor Strelow said.

“During the current reporting period, Council spent $95.1 million on goods and services. Of that amount $63.8 million was spent within the Rockhampton Regional Council boundaries. That is 67% of Council's goods and services being acquired from local suppliers.

“Some of the products that we couldn't buy locally include lighting at the airport and the roads slurry seal programme which is done by a special machine by a company who do contracts around the state.”

Council will review the policy every 12 months.