Toowoomba suppliers under fresh council buying rules for 2026/27

Local suppliers and contractors seeking council work in the Toowoomba Region will be judged under a new 2026/27 Procurement Policy after Toowoomba Regional Council adopted it on 30 June.

The policy applies to all council procurement activity. It says buying decisions must follow the Local Government Act 2009’s sound contracting principles, including value for money, open and effective competition, ethical behaviour and fair dealing, and environmental protection.

Council also says it is committed to a competitive and sustainable local economy by prioritising procurement from businesses within the Toowoomba region, and secondly within Queensland. The policy says the supplier base should also include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and social businesses.

Procurement thresholds, non-local supplier engagement and an interpretive guide are listed in Appendix 1. The document also says council supports sustainable activities under its Environment Policy and backs the Queensland Government’s ban on single-use plastic items.

The policy is part of council’s broader 2026/27 budget framework, but it is the rulebook that will shape how goods and services are bought from local firms, contractors and other suppliers over the year ahead.

Councillors adopted the Procurement Policy under section 198 of the Local Government Regulation 2012. The motion was moved by Cr Rebecca Vonhoff and seconded by Cr Kerry Shine.

Council also adopted a Debt Policy and a Financial Sustainability Strategy 2026/27 at the same meeting.