Media SGC Meeting 201806

Spencer Gulf Cities Consider Economic Benefit of Local Works

Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla Council representatives will look at opportunities to work together to generate stronger local economic benefit through Council contracts and spending.

The move follows a presentation from South Australian Industry Advocate, Ian Nightingale to the most recent Spencer Gulf Cities meeting.

Mr Nightingale explained that his role is to work with state agencies, local councils and any privately owned project that has received state government funding, to encourage them to focus on giving businesses in the Upper Spencer Gulf a stronger opportunity to be considered for work.

The driver for this change in thinking, the South Australian Industry Participation Policy, focuses on economic benefit that can be generated through public procurement across the supply chain, from manufacturing, assembly, installation and supply of goods and services.

Mr Nightingale confirmed to the Spencer Gulf Cities that significant benefit in job creation and additional economic activity has been demonstrated already through the policy.

“It doesn’t mean local businesses will automatically receive a contract. They still have to prove they can meet the requirements around workplace health and safety, quality and price. However, the policy will mean that local businesses are front of mind for quotes or tenders whenever public money is to be spent on goods and services.”

Meeting Chair, Port Pirie Mayor John Rohde, said Spencer Gulf Cities will engage a specialist procurement expert help to progress a number of joint operations that could result in financial and resourcing efficiencies across the three Councils. The initiative will also consider how Council spending can better stimulate local economic development across the Upper Spencer Gulf, including consideration of adopting the economic participation principles set out through the State Office of the Industry Advocate.

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Contact:
Mayor John Rohde, Port Pirie Regional Council – Mob: 0417 080 961
Brett Benbow, Port Augusta Council – Mob: 0409 279 170
Mayor Lyn Breuer, Whyalla Council – Mob: 0419 806 415
Photo: South Australian Industry Advocate Ian Nightingale speaking to Spencer Gulf Cities representatives