The policy follows a comprehensive 12 month review of the council’s procurement practices and procedures.

This new policy requires that all council purchases demonstrate best value for money, consider long-term financial, environmental and social outcomes and be conducted in a transparent, fair and ethical manner.

In addition to these important criteria, one of the key features of the policy is the inclusion of local and Australian preference weighting for future purchases. This includes preferencing the purchase and use of Australian-made and manufactured products, such as steel, wherever practical. This mandatory non-price weighted criterion amounts to 10 percent for local submissions and content.  

As one of the largest organisations in the shire, we realise the important role that council plays in the local economy. Our procurement decisions can have significant impacts on our shire’s retailers and I welcome any decision which supports local industries and businesses.

It’s important to keep in mind that this inclusion by no means guarantees immediate selection of local tenders for purchases. It does however mean our shire’s suppliers will have a greater chance of competing against some of the larger and more established operators.

IT’S with great sadness I learnt of Ross Bull’s passing last month.

Ross was one of our shire’s most respected educators and a wonderful mentor for young athletes.  

He was particularly passionate about cricket and had a keen eye at spotting and developing upcoming talent.

Ross was a true ‘one of a kind’ and his passing is a huge loss to our community.

I offer my sincere condolences to his family.

Vale ‘Bully’.