Local businesses run Brisbane
More than 3000 local businesses help run Brisbane as part of Schrinner Council’s Buy Local blitz
MORE than 3000 local businesses across South East Queensland are benefitting from the Schrinner Council’s Buy Local procurement policy which has put nearly $950 million back into the economy.
Cr Schrinner said from Aspley Nursery supplying Council’s free native plants program to a family-owned Woolloongabba business servicing bus air conditioning, more than 80 per cent of Council’s contract spend over the past 12 months went to South East Queensland companies.
“In 2017-18, our local buy was 67 per cent and in the past year, we’ve lifted this this to more than 80 per cent, with $950 million put back into local businesses, employees and residents at a time when they need it most,” he said.
“In total, we’ve engaged more than 3000 local businesses on large and small scale projects from Brisbane Metro to our waste disposal services and city lighting.
“We’re supporting local electricians, engineers, gardeners and labourers and many more trades as work progresses across the city for new parks, green bridges, sports fields and road upgrades.
“Among these businesses is our Employee Assistance Program provider Acacia Connection, a Brisbane husband and wife team who established their business in 2012 and grew its reach nationally and internationally.
“Multhana Property Services at Eight Mile Plains is an indigenous social enterprise company that undertake daily sanitisation of our entire bus fleet, enabling the business to take on more employees.
“GM Poles in Richlands supply poles and footings primarily for traffic signal and lighting and Technigro in Yatala provides landscaping services and aquatic weed removals.”
“We’re committed to supporting small businesses and industry across the region, helping them to grow and scale locally and keep Brisbane residents in jobs.”
Cr Schrinner said Council had also made permanent seven-day payment terms for Council’s small business suppliers, delivering faster payments to local suppliers.
“More than 131,000 small businesses call Brisbane home and we’ve implemented a range of initiatives to help them stay strong during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“From our new suburban business hub at Nundah, 24/7 Business Hotline and business events, we’re here to support business.
“We also host regular Talk to Procurement drop-in sessions at our business hubs, so businesses that want to work with Council can ask questions and find out about upcoming tenders.”
For more information about how we are backing Brisbane business just visit https://vickihoward.com/backing-brisbane-business and https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-and-strategy/business-in-brisbane