Local suppliers invited to shape Ballina Council buying rules

Local suppliers, contractors and other businesses can comment on Ballina Shire Council’s amended Local and Sustainable Procurement Policy after councillors unanimously approved it for public exhibition.

The policy sets the framework for Council’s purchasing of goods and services, including the treatment of local and sustainable suppliers. It was moved by Cr Simon Chate and seconded by Cr Erin Karsten. Cr Therese Crollick was absent.

The amended policy has not been finalised. Any submissions received during the exhibition will return to Council for consideration. If no submissions are received, no further action will be required.

Council has not stated the exhibition dates, the closing date for submissions or the details of the amendments. Exhibition documents are to be prepared before the public comment period begins.

The policy will apply against the backdrop of significant Council purchasing, including a separate five-year waste collection and disposal contract awarded to Eljo Pty Ltd and The Trustee for Rico Family Trust, trading as Richmond Waste Services.

That contract, for waste collection and disposal at Council facilities, is worth $518,062.59 excluding GST. The General Manager was authorised to sign it.

The waste contract was a separate procurement decision and was not part of the policy exhibition. The policy will guide Council’s approach to future goods and services purchases, including contracts and tenders, across Ballina Shire.

The exhibition gives local businesses and sustainable suppliers a formal opportunity to respond to the proposed purchasing rules before Council considers whether further changes are needed.