Redland City Council has formally adopted its new Corporate Procurement Policy aimed at saving money and supporting local businesses through better purchasing and project delivery processes.

Mayor Karen Williams said the policy was a continuing initiative which set out Council’s framework for procurement and contracting.

“The new Corporate Procurement Policy streamlines our internal authorising processes and ensures the efficient and timely delivery of Council’s capital works, operational and service delivery programs,” she said.

“It continues our strategic approach to procurement, which needs to be agile in response to 18 months of COVID-19 disruptions, including increased demand in the building industry and disruptions in supply of mechanical and computer equipment.

“The policy also aims to support opportunities for local businesses.”

Cr Williams said Council spent about $140 million through its procurement activity each year on goods, services and work.

“Over the past six to 18 months Council has transitioned its procurement activity to use legislated Strategic Contracting Procedures,” she said.

“This model allows us to negotiate bulk buying rates and research into innovative and continuous improvement initiatives, which is particularly relevant as Council supports the broader community and economic response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Williams said that, by adopting the policy, Council had also supported an increase in the CEO contract delegation from $2 million to $10 million.

“This increase is considered reasonable given the CEO, on behalf of Council, is responsible for managing $2.88 billion in assets and delivering a budget of $327 million this financial year.

“It will also facilitate bundled and bulk buying contracts while streamlining approval processes, ultimately strengthening our focus on community services.”

At today’s general meeting, Council also adopted its Annual Contracting Plan 2021-22, which details the goods, services and work to be procured and the disposal of assets by Council consistent with its budget.

Redland City Council’s General Meetings are closed to the public until further notice.

As a result, no Public Participation sessions will be possible at this time.

This decision  has been made due to the social distancing measures required to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Members of the media reporting on Council’s General Meetings are permitted to attend the meetings, as in such cases the venue is considered to be their workplace.

General Meetings will continue to be recorded.

Every attempt will be made to make this video available on Council’s website by close of business on the day the meeting took place.

The newest member of Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board (REDAB) is set to share his extensive experience in transport and planning with Redlands Coast.

Warren Rowe was instrumental in developing the light rail project that has improved connectivity and bolstered significant economic and tourism opportunities across the Gold Coast.

Mr Rowe, who recently joined planning firm Ethos Urban as a strategic advisor, is an Adjunct Professor in the Urban Research Program at Griffith University, was appointed as the University of Queensland’s first Planner in Residence, and was recently appointed to the Queensland Government’s Land Supply and Housing Expert Advisory Panel.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Mr Rowe’s expertise was a perfect fit for the challenges and opportunities facing Redlands Coast.

“I firmly believe that improving transport within Redlands Coast and the connectivity we have to the south east Queensland region is a key element to unlocking our economic and tourism potential,” Cr Williams said.

“Residents and the business community have consistently raised transport as an issue, which is why we have made it one of Council’s strategic priorities and continue to advocate for Redlands Coast with other levels of government.

“Mr Rowe’s vast experience in planning and transport across all tiers of government, and his voice in the industry, will add to the already robust and broad ranging expertise of existing REDAB board members.”

The Board members’ expertise span the region’s key industry sectors of construction, education and training, financial and insurance services, health care and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, rural enterprises and tourism (accommodation and food services).

REDAB Chair Samantha Kennedy thanked Dr John O’Donnell who recently retired from the Board.

“Dr O’Donnell contributed his extensive health care experience in the development of the Redland City Health Care and Social Assistance Industry Sector Plan 2018-2023, which was adopted by Council in in July 2018,” she said.

“As a new Board member, Warren Rowe’s planning and economic development knowledge will be invaluable as we seek to highlight opportunities within the framework of Redlands Coast’s newly adopted City Plan.

“With 17 years of local government experience, Mr Rowe has overseen a significant transport policy and capital works program, and implemented numerous programs to improve city planning frameworks.”

Mr Rowe attended his first Board meeting on Thursday 18 October 2018 and said he looked forward to working with REDAB and Council.

“Redlands Coast – with its naturally wonderful setting, coupled with close proximity to the Greater Brisbane region – is poised for great things and I’m looking forward to playing a guiding role through the Board,” he said.

Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board welcomed transport and planning expert Mr Warren Rowe for his first Board meeting on 18 October 2018.