Council’s buy-local plan helped business keep workers

A TOOWOOMBA business says investment in local contractors by the council ensured they could keep several workers employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A TOOWOOMBA business says investment in local contractors by the council ensured they could keep several workers employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TUFF Group's Mark Casey praised the Toowoomba Regional Council's "buy-local" approach, which he said was the difference between keeping three or four staff on his payroll or letting them go.

It comes as the TRC revealed it had spent a record $180 million with local companies during the 2019-20 financial year, with 57 per cent of the overall amount going to businesses based in the region.

TUFF Group upgraded several new council vehicles that were also bought locally, something Mr Casey said he appreciated.

"Those trucks have been used for the park rangers and getting into the really rough territory - they needed to get the Ivecos fitted out with trays, cabinets, water tanks, and battery boxes," he said.

"They also needed bullbars, so it was a complete fitout.

"I think there's a general intention, and in fairness to council they realised they could inject money into the economy during the depths of the crisis.

"Speaking to their management, there's a genuine desire to do this - they really want to support local business."

TRC contracted work kept employees like (from left) Jordan Tibble, Lloyd George, Josh Whitta, David Mills, John Dawson and Rayne Mackay of TUFF Group working over the COVID shutdown, Monday, August 3, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Overall expenditure has been trending upwards in recent years, with the TRC spending nearly $320 million in procuring services in 2019-20.

That figure is the highest since the 2012-13 financial year (about $340m), and in that case local procurement represented just 26 per cent of the overall amount.

The TRC made their tendering policy even more competitive for local companies as part of the COVID-19 economic relief package.

Mr Casey said the council deserved credit for prioritising businesses based in the region.

"It was fantastic to get that investment and support from the council during the height of COVID-19, when things had been quiet," he said.

"I just think there's a determination with the council at all levels to shop local.

"Obviously they're also looking for value for money, but the council has got a great attitude."

Josh Whitta (left) and David Mills fill TRC contracts that kept employees of TUFF Group working over the COVID shutdown. Picture: Kevin Farmer