A record $1.1 billion has been spent with local businesses in the past 12 months as part of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s Buy Local Policy.Cr Schrinner said his policy, which was introduced in 2019, ensured at least 80 per cent of the annual procurement spend goes to South East Queensland businesses.
“In the past 12 months we hit a record 83 per cent local buy spend, injecting $1.1 billion into businesses,” he said.
“Every single dollar spent locally helps create and secure jobs for residents and keep our South East Queensland economy strong.
“This local investment is even more important as Brisbane emerges from an extremely challenging few years where we faced COVID-19 and then a natural disaster with the floods.
“This policy and record spend proves to local businesses that they’re not alone and that we’re backing them.”
“Our seven-day payment terms ensure small businesses are supported by boosting their cash flow and suppliers are assured of quick payment of outstanding invoices.”
Cr Schrinner said Council’s investment with local business H2flow was a great example of how investing locally can make a big difference.
“By backing this local business as our preferred supplier, they have been able to expand from three water trucks to more than 100,” he said.
“Success stories like this are case in point why buying local matters and must always be prioritised.”
H2flow Director Mark Broekman said the opportunity to work with Brisbane City Council has played a significant role in the growth and success of his business across South East Queensland.
“We help Brisbane stay clean and green by providing essential water supply for the establishment and maintenance of Brisbane’s extensive parks and gardens and major civil works programs for the Council,” Mr Broekman said.
“In 2004, we started with two sizable water trucks plus a small one and now we have over 100 trucks on the road.
“Working with Council has given us the confidence to continue investing in the business, our people and our equipment.
“As we have grown, so has our support network of local suppliers who provide us with key services such as mechanical maintenance, trye and fuel supply to keep our extensive fleet on the road – 70 per cent of them come from the Brisbane region.
“We’re very proud to say we have completed the first contract period as a preferred supplier and have renewed the contract, which will take us through to 2029.”
For more information on Council’s Buy Local Policy, please visit brisbane.qld.gov.au.
To keep up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane, visit www.adrianschrinner.com.au/brisbane-news.
