From the General Manager's desk

Published on 08 September 2025

Thank you for the warm welcome and support as I step into my new role with Local Buy.

Your messages of support and continued advocacy for the value we bring to your organisations have been truly appreciated.

We consistently hear how our award-winning solutions – including Australia’s largest range of tendered, prequalified supplier Arrangements, our procurement technology programs for local and state government, and our broader peak body partnerships – are critical to your success. As we approach our 25th year of operations, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting your procurement outcomes.

Key highlights from August:

• Record tender round: We received 1,007 supplier submissions in our latest round. Successful suppliers will join our 4,413 active suppliers, already delivering goods and services across hundreds of categories to over 541 buying organisations. This growth reflects the trust placed in our arrangements and the value they deliver across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and beyond.
  
  
• LGANT Partnership renewal: The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) and Local Buy has renewed our procurement partnership for another five years. This collaboration empowers local businesses, reduces red tape, and keeps economic value within the Territory – expanding opportunities, especially for prequalified suppliers with a local presence.
  
  
• Disaster Recovery Management Arrangement released: In collaboration with the QRA and other stakeholders, we’ve released a tender to establish a new arrangement of preferred suppliers for the coordination of counter-disaster operations and emergency works, and other recovery services. This will support government before, during and after disaster events, and complements our existing arrangements which already play a vital role in disaster response and recovery.
  
  
• Retail Energy (Electricity & Gas) Arrangement released: Local Buy has released a new Register of Pre-Qualified Suppliers (RPQS) under a Local Government Areas (LGA) Arrangement for the supply of retail energy – covering both electricity and gas. The Arrangement, LB333 Retail Energy, provides a streamlined framework for energy procurement, enabling councils and not-for-profits to access competitive pricing. Notably, it includes suppliers capable of supporting Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs), ensuring flexibility and sustainability options.  Through this Arrangement, Local Buy also offers a group procurement service, leveraging aggregated usage across participating entities to negotiate better rates. The Arrangement will start by 1st December. Interested in saving on energy costs? Get in touch to learn more.
  
  
• A fresh new look: We’re excited to unveil a refreshed visual identity for Local Buy in the coming months. While the look will be new, it will remain familiar and grounded in our strong value proposition.

Thank you to all councils and buying organisations for your ongoing engagement with our category and engagement teams. By connecting you with the right Arrangements and solutions, we’re proud to support your procurement needs. Trusted partnerships are central to procurement success, and we remain committed to enabling both operational and strategic delivery.

For assistance, solutioning, or feedback, please contact us at enquiry@localbuy.net.au — we’re here to help.

All the best, 

Glen Duff