A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

Council recognise that local businesses are the backbone of our economy. When we engage local suppliers, tradespeople, and service providers for council projects, we’re not just delivering value for money; we’re investing in the long-term prosperity of our region.
 
For local businesses looking to work with councils in Queensland, understanding the strict procurement process is key to successfully securing contracts.
 
Which is why Council is proactive in hosting FREE workshops, specifically designed to guide you through the council's tender process and boost your chances of success. Our procurement team held a workshop recently at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and another is planned for Flagstaff Hill.
 
I know that navigating tenders can sometimes feel complex, but these workshops are designed to make the process simpler and more accessible to local businesses. The workshops give practical insights into the process and allow interaction with procurement specialists to better educate local businesses in understanding the tendering process and improving their chances of success.
  
Council also gives a percentage weighting to local businesses to make them more competitive because we believe local businesses bring more than just skills and expertise. When they work on council projects, they’re doing more than fulfilling a contract—they’re helping to build the very community in which they live, work, and raise their families.
 
Using local businesses keeps money circulating within our region. It means jobs for local people, growth for local enterprises, and an economy that’s strong, resilient, and capable of weathering challenges, whether they be global pandemics or natural disasters.
 
We know that supporting local businesses also brings other benefits—environmental sustainability by reducing transportation costs and emissions, increased engagement and collaboration, and higher levels of trust and accountability, because the people delivering council projects are your friends and neighbours.
 
Council is committed to ensuring that local businesses have every opportunity to participate in our procurement processes through initiatives like our free tender workshops.
 
To the businesses that already partner with the council, thank you for your hard work and dedication. And to those considering taking part, I encourage you to get involved, bid for tenders, and help us continue building a bright future for our region.
 
Together, by investing in our local businesses, we’re investing in a stronger, more connected Whitsunday community.

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