From the General Manager's desk (December 2025)

Published on 18 December 2025

From the GMs desk_Glen Duff_news article

As we close out the year, I want to take this opportunity to thank our incredible Local Buy team for their relentless efforts and unwavering commitment. Together, we’ve delivered innovative Arrangements and other solutions to Queensland councils and successfully rolled out a whole-of-government procurement technology program across both local and state government.

Your dedication ensures that we continue to provide compliant, efficient, and value-driven outcomes for the sector. It’s this passion and collaboration that sets Local Buy apart and strengthens our impact across Queensland communities.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The year ahead promises innovation, growth, and stronger partnerships. In 2026, we’re committed to expanding our impact across Queensland by enhancing procurement technology, driving greater efficiencies, and introducing new initiatives that empower councils and suppliers alike.

In 2026, we’re setting ambitious goals to deliver even greater value to Queensland councils and suppliers:

✅ Queensland-focused Arrangements
2026 will see continued focus on categories of importance to the local government sector, including new Arrangements. Please reach out if we can assist your category strategy further.

✅ Expand Procurement Technology
Roll out enhanced features on the Unimarket / VendorPanel platform to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance for all councils.

✅ Increase Supplier Engagement
Grow our pre-qualified supplier base across Queensland, making it easier for local businesses to connect with councils and hundreds of other buying organisations and helping them to reduce their cost of doing business. Suppliers tender once to be LGR compliant and available to all buyers via Local Buy Arrangements.

✅ Sector Investment in Training and Capability
Provide leadership to the sector by delivering more buyer training programs and procurement forums to strengthen sector capability and drive better outcomes.

✅ Invest in Community Impact
Continue reinvesting profits into advocacy, industry development projects, grants, and other initiatives that directly benefit Queensland communities and procurement.

✅ Strengthen Partnerships
Work closely with state government and peak bodies to align procurement strategies and deliver whole-of-government solutions.

Expect more collaboration, smarter solutions, and even stronger reinvestment into the sector – because when we work together, we create stronger communities.

Together, we’ll make 2026 a year of opportunity, progress, and shared success.

What Sets Us Apart

At Local Buy, we’re more than a procurement solution – we’re a trusted partner for Queensland councils. Our Arrangements are purpose-built for the sector, fully compliant with legislation, and backed by a commitment to reinvest profits into the communities we serve. From funding innovative projects to supporting suppliers and delivering cost savings, we go beyond compliance to create real value.

Here’s what sets Local Buy apart:

✅ Trusted, Pre-Qualified and Compliant
Local Buy, as part of the LGAQ, is the only organisation empowered under the Local Government Regulation 2012 (LGR) to create Local Government Association (LGA) Arrangements. Every Arrangement we provide is pre-qualified and compliant, protecting your council’s obligations and reducing risk. Our solutions have won procurement industry awards for innovation and impact – setting us apart as a best-in-class provider.

✅ Designed for Queensland
Our Arrangements are tailored to meet the unique needs of Queensland councils, developed in collaboration with you. This ensures every solution is practical, relevant, and aligned with the challenges and opportunities faced by local governments in our state.

✅ Delivering Real Value Back to the Sector
All profits generated are reinvested into supporting councils and communities across Queensland. This includes:

Funding procurement technology that saves each council up to $60k annually
Supporting councils with 100% of profits returned to the LGAQ
Investing in industry development projects worth over $5.8m
Delivering grants to QPLA libraries of over $650k
Hosting training and forums for buyers to build capability
Helping supplier’s lower costs of doing business and grow their businesses
Partnering with peak body and government to deliver innovative procurement solutions

We are proud to deliver this level of commitment, reinvestment, and peak body representation. When you choose Local Buy, you’re choosing a partner that genuinely prioritises your council and the communities you serve.

Thank you for continuing to trust Local Buy as your procurement partner and the local government sector’s peak procurement body.

Together, we’re building stronger councils and stronger Queensland communities.

Local Buy Rebrand

A refreshed visual identity is currently being rolled out. It’s modern yet familiar, reflecting our strong history and value proposition. You will start seeing this branding filter through to websites in the coming weeks, with full transition over several months. This rebrand will carry us into our 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a new era for Local Buy and our broader Peak Services group.

Our pre-qualified suppliers will soon receive a new Local Buy Pre-Qualified Supplier logo to update their collateral and showcase their status.

Disaster Management & Recovery Arrangement – Successfully Launched!

We’re excited to announce that the Disaster Management & Recovery Arrangement (LB505) has officially launched, with strong representation from councils across Queensland and overwhelmingly positive feedback on the new solution.

This Arrangement was developed in direct response to council requests for streamlined disaster recovery processes. Working in collaboration with QRA, LGAQ, councils, and industry partners, Local Buy has created a solution that simplifies procurement during disaster events while ensuring compliance and efficiency.

What LB505 Delivers:

Access to suppliers with proven expertise in counter disaster operations, emergency works, consultancy, program management, and grant writing across all phases – plan, prepare, respond, recover.
Comprehensive options for disaster-related categories through 50+ additional Arrangements and 4,500 pre-qualified suppliers.
Special conditions designed to support compliance with QRA and DRFA requirements during disaster-related engagements.

To further support councils, we’ve shared strong communication and resources, including our Disaster Recovery Procurement Toolkit, which provides clear guidance on using LB505 and leveraging Local Buy Arrangements for disaster-related works.

Thank you to all councils who attended the Contract Launch Event on 3 December – your engagement and feedback have been invaluable in shaping this Arrangement. Together, we’re building resilience and ensuring Queensland councils have the tools they need when it matters most.

Retail Energy Arrangement – Now Live for Councils

We’re excited to announce that our new Retail Energy Arrangement is officially launched and ready for councils to access. This enhanced Arrangement now includes Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)-capable suppliers and Gas, providing councils with greater flexibility and strategic options for energy procurement.

This category continues to deliver millions in annual savings for Queensland councils, thanks to Local Buy’s leadership and commitment to driving value in the energy space via our aggregated energy contracts. If you would like to participate, please contact us.

Our dedicated Energy Office is also here to support your council in leveraging this initiative – whether you’re exploring PPAs, gas procurement, or strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability.

Start taking advantage of the new Arrangement today and unlock smarter energy solutions for your council.

Save the Date: 25-Year Anniversary Conference

Join us on 5 August 2026 in Brisbane for a one-day conference and evening celebration marking 25 years of procurement excellence. If you are a part of our local government family or have helped build our legacy, please save the date. More details to come.

Thank you to all councils, buying organisations and suppliers for your continued partnership. Your engagement strengthens our mission: connecting you with the right Arrangements, suppliers, technology, and solutions to drive procurement success.

On behalf of the Local Buy team, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this festive season bring joy and rest, and 2026 be a year of prosperity, growth, and continued collaboration.

We look forward to working with you in the new year to deliver even greater value for the sector.

As always, please reach out with any questions or ideas on how we can improve our offering to meet your needs – we’re here to help.

All the best,

Local Buy Conference 2026