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Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 13:11

Published: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 13:11

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) last week (May 22, 2025) reinforced its commitment to supporting local businesses by hosting a ‘Doing Business with Council’ information session, which attracted 55 business people.

TRC Economic Development portfolio spokesperson Cr Edwina Farquhar said the session was designed to improve attendees’ understanding of Council’s procurement processes, including how to complete tender submissions.

“Council’s Economic Development and Procurement teams, with the assistance of the Local Buy organisation, organised the function as part of Small Business Month to emphasise Council’s commitment to working with local suppliers,” Cr Farquhar said.

“Council aims to buy 60% of goods and services locally to keep as much of our spending as possible within the Toowoomba Region.

“Approximately 66% of Council’s purchases in the past three months were made with local businesses, underlining our commitment to the Small Business Friendly Council Charter.

“Council is mindful that our spending is one of the most practical ways we can support our business community and their workforce.

“Council changed the weighting in tender procurement arrangements to give local businesses every opportunity to collaborate with us.

“We’ve also worked hard to ensure that when contractors are engaged, they use workers from our Region and source materials from local suppliers in most instances.”

Cr Farquhar said the session covered key insights on how businesses could strengthen their tender applications and better position themselves during procurement processes.

“Participants also heard from successful businesses about how they secured Council contracts, providing valuable insights into what works,” Cr Farquhar said.

“In addition to our focus on local spending, Council’s 14-day payment terms for local suppliers (from the date of invoice) further highlight the priority we are placing on keeping jobs and dollars circulating in the Toowoomba economy.”

Representatives from the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, the Department of State Development and Trade and Invest Queensland offered additional points on engaging with the respective levels of government.

Enquiries about business opportunities with Council can be directed to the Economic Development branch by calling 131 872 via email info@tr.qld.gov.au or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au