Parkes Shire Council – Focus on local procurement
Background
As part of the tender process for the construction of new water and sewage treatment plants, contractors were asked to demonstrate how they would use local businesses to deliver the project.
John Holland Group Pty Ltd was appointed as the contractor for both treatment plants and committed to using small businesses in Parkes Shire Council for 36% of the project.
Implementation
Council invited local businesses to attend a workshop, where they could learn more about the project, how they could get involved, and receive some training on procurement processes and what they needed to do to be ‘procurement ready’. More than 100 small businesses attended, from stationery suppliers, landscapers, builders, kitchen suppliers, plumbers. Not only did they get to learn about large-scale procurement processes, but it also gave them an opportunity to network with representatives from John Holland and with each other, which was really valuable, as many of the people in the room would otherwise never cross paths.
Following the workshop, Parkes Shire Council worked with interested small businesses, to enhance their business processes and maximise their chance of success.
Outcomes and results
The construction of the treatment plants utilised a huge range of small businesses, from earth movers and agricultural businesses to hydraulics suppliers and Mitre 10 stores.
The contractor also proactively hired regional businesses from Orange, Molong and other areas surrounding Parkes.
Costs and funding
Council support was funded through existing budgets.
Key learnings
The project highlighted the breadth of knowledge and depth of experience available in the local area. Council expects that 80% of local growth will come from small businesses, so helping local businesses helps council achieve its goals, as well as supporting the growth of businesses in the local community.
With their greater understanding of procurement processes and what is required, some local small businesses have been able to access other new opportunities as they arise.
Council Details
Population size: 14,608
LGA size: 5,958 km2
State Electorate: Orange
Federal Electorate: Calare