Enterprise North questions Cairns Regional Council over ‘southern’ tender contracts

A former mayor has slammed Cairns council for lining the pockets of “southern interests” instead of engaging regional companies. COUNCIL’S REASONS EXPLAINED

A FAR North based economic advocacy group has slammed the Cairns Regional Council for lining the pockets of “southern interests” instead of engaging regional advocacy bodies.

Enterprise North executive manager Kevin Byrne has questioned the outsourcing of the tendering for the Towards 2050 Growth strategy to the Brisbane-based Wolter Consulting Group, claiming the Far North had “the skills and capacity” to do the job.

The former Cairns mayor said he was concerned it was a recurring theme, believing the contract was won despite claims it was around $1m more than other bids.

Former Cairns mayor and executive manager of Enterprise North Kevin Byrne has criticised the council’s decision. Picture: Brendan Radke

“If we are to be fair dinkum about spruiking the opportunities presented by our geography and other factors, then we need to constructively deal with some of the local impediments,” he said.

“We have the skills and capacities in Far North Queensland to achieve most of these professional consultancies, in fact all of them.

“It’s frustrating that money keeps going outside our region to southern interests.”

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer, Patricia O’Neill, said procurement departments within all levels of government should divert from an “ease of purchase mentality” to having a “buy local mentality.”

She also said Cairns council should be open to providing constructive feedback to unsuccessful tenders.

“It is critically important to ensure when taxpayers’ and ratepayers’ money is being spent locally that the profits remain within the local area,” she said.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Patricia O'Neill.

“This of course is providing the product or service being procured is available and can be delivered to the specifications required.

“This ensures not only a vibrant and prosperous business community but more importantly retention of local jobs.”

Cairns Deputy Mayor Terry James, said the selection of the tenderer for Towards 2050 Growth Strategy was “consistent with Council’s rigorous procurement policy.”

He said the bidding and awarding process was overseen by an external and independent third party and the contract was based on merit.

Cairns Regional Council meeting with residents attending to protest the Unity's decision to delegate decisions to the CEO rather than a subcommittee of non-conflicted independent councillors. Picture: Steward McLean

“The process to determine the successful tenderer was underpinned by a robust and specific methodology to ensure the best value for money for ratepayers,” he said.

Cr James said council conducted all procurement and contracting activities “in a transparent manner demonstrating probity and accountability.”

It comes as council announced it had spent $355m locally in the 2020-21 financial year, accounting for 86 per cent of total Council expenditure.

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Originally published as Enterprise North questions Cairns Regional Council over ‘southern’ tender contracts