Townsville City Council is working with its suppliers and contractors to further its commitment to bolstering its social and sustainable procurement practices.
Social and sustainable procurement practices support Council to work with suppliers and contractors to deliver positive community, environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Business Services and Finance Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said adopting a stronger social and sustainable procurement system had allowed Council to create a wider positive effect on Townsville’s community through its tender process.
“Council’s Corporate Plan clearly spells out the organisation’s goals for Townsville by 2026, including having 90 per cent local spend, of which 65 per cent benefits small-to-medium businesses,” Cr Ryder said.
“Council is committed to reaching a five per cent local Indigenous business spend, 20 per cent commercial waste landfill diversion and 60 per cent renewable energy use.
“The social and sustainable procurement practices are in line with Council’s commitment to build a circular economy for the city, with benefits to residents, the economy and the environment.
“These goals are only achievable if we can work with the business community to ensure we are working towards the same vision,” Cr Ryder said.
“We know that having a framework around social and sustainable procurement works because we’ve seen its success with the Commonwealth and State governments.
Cr Ryder said Council maintained a social procurement focus but was now widening its lens to include sustainability.
“Social procurement has always been a key aspect of Council’s procurement methodology, however, Council has furthered its influence on Townsville’s environmental outcomes by reinforcing sustainable procurement practices,” Cr Ryder said.
“Sustainable procurement includes maximising recyclable and recovered content, minimising waste to landfill, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating sustainable and climate resilient design and developing skills to supporting green and low carbon economy.
“Through adopting social and sustainable procurement practices, Council has been able to create more opportunities for local First Nations businesses; promote equity and safety for employees; and train Townsville-based trainees, apprentices and graduates.
“Council has also provided trainee and employment opportunities for locals and provides collaborative community contribution through sponsorships, donations, grants, scholarships and volunteering opportunities across the community.
“These are significant impacts which we are proud to facilitate as one of Townsville’s largest employers.”
Council is a signatory to the Small Business Friendly Council charter and has spent $217.7M on procurement with local businesses this financial year.
For more information about procurement at Council, visit Council’s website.