From the General Manager's desk | February 2026

Published on 18 February 2026

We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Christmas and New Year – and now, as 2026 is well underway, we’re all focused on delivering for the year ahead.

As highlighted in our December Newsletter, 2026 will be a year of increased innovation and even stronger partnerships at Local Buy. We are dedicated to expanding our reach across Queensland by growing our panel arrangements, advancing procurement technology adoption, and launching new solutions to further empower councils, other buyers and suppliers.

This year, you can expect more collaboration, smarter solutions, and increased reinvestment into the sector – because when we work together, we create stronger communities.

These investments include:

✅ Queensland-focused Arrangements

We maintain a strong commitment to key categories relevant to local government and other sectors, ensuring our award-winning Arrangements continue to set the industry benchmark.

For further information on how we can enhance your category strategy, please contact us.

✅ Expand procurement technology
Enhanced features will be introduced on the Unimarket platform (powered by VendorPanel), including Contracts Essentials, to facilitate efficient contract management and support improved transparency, compliance, and commercial outcomes for councils. This award-winning procurement technology program from Local Buy is available free of charge to all Queensland councils, representing a substantial investment by Local Buy.

✅ Increase supplier value
We are committed to expanding our pre-qualified supplier base throughout Queensland, streamlining the process for local businesses to engage with councils and a wide range of other buying organisations. By enabling suppliers to tender once to achieve Local Government Regulation compliance, they gain access to all buyers through Local Buy Arrangements—delivering substantial operational efficiency and strategic advantages. Stay tuned for new initiatives and value-based opportunities for our supplier network in 2026.

✅ Investment in capability
Offer strategic leadership to the sector by implementing additional professional development and capability initiatives, training, forums, and category support. We work hand-in-glove with councils and other buyers to improve outcomes and deliver on procurement objectives.

✅ Invest in sector impact
Reinvest all profits into advocacy, industry projects, capability, grants, and other initiatives that benefit Queensland councils, communities, and local procurement outcomes.

✅ Strengthen partnerships
Collaborate effectively with state government and peak bodies to identify opportunities for strategic alignment, delivering mutually benficial solutions across both levels of government.

Panel-based procurement leading innovation and value

Across local and state governments, the conversation around whole-of-government aggregator panel arrangements, like Local Buy, and the procurement rules around their use continues. Although some argue panels are now just standard procedure, real-world practice shows they’re also being used more strategically. With a big shift towards smarter policy writing to drive an increase in default and strategic panel use – stronger outcomes for government procurement are being delivered. 

Read our article on why contemporary panel-based procurement is leading the next wave of innovation and value in government procurement to hear about the reality we’re seeing across government every day.

Local Government Regulation changes

I have now contacted all councils regarding the recent changes to the Local Government Regulation affecting procurement. We look forward to hosting our upcoming webinar and to collaborate with each council on the recommended next steps in maximising the opportunities these changes present. Be sure to read the article in this newsletter for more details.

Maximise your Local Buy pre-qualified supplier status

Being appointed to Local Buy not only enters your business into a preferred supplier market for hundreds of large buying organisations, but it also enables you to fully leverage your pre-qualified status by using our new Local Buy pre-qualified supplier logo and messaging to promote your business. Local Buy pre-qualification is a key differentiator for your business.

Suppliers can access these new resources, via the email sent to you directly, to promote your business on social media, better positioning you to receive more opportunities and to win more work. 

Buyers can verify the supplier’s status and invite pre-qualified suppliers to quote, generally through the Unimarket (powered by VendorPanel) procurement platform. If you need support, please contact us at enquiry@localbuy.net.au.

Local Buy rebrand

Feedback on our refreshed visual identity is overwhelmingly positive. It’s modern yet familiar, reflecting our strong history and value proposition. You will continue to see this branding filter through to material over several months. This rebrand carries us into our 25th anniversary, marking a new era for Local Buy and our broader Peak Services group.

We recommend all councils consider updating any instances of our old Local Buy logo in your collateral to this new visual identity. Please reach out if support is needed.

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.

What sets us apart at Local Buy

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 100% of profits back into the communities we serve. From funding innovative projects to supporting suppliers and delivering cost savings, we go beyond compliance to create real value.

✅ Trusted, pre-qualified and compliant
Local Buy, as part of the LGAQ, is the only organisation authorised under the Local Government Regulation 2012 (LGR) to create Local Government Association (LGA) arrangements. Every arrangement we provide is pre-qualified and compliant to the LGR. While this protects council’s obligations and reduces risk, our solutions have won procurement industry awards for innovation and impact – setting us apart as a best-in-class solution provider.

✅ Designed for Queensland
Our arrangements are tailored to meet the needs of Queensland. Every solution is practical, relevant, and aligned with the challenges and opportunities faced by governments in our state.

✅ Delivering Real Value Back to the Sector
Profits generated by Local Buy are reinvested back into supporting councils and communities across Queensland. This includes:

• Funding procurement technology that saves each council up to $60k annually
• Supporting all QLD councils with 100% of profits returned to the LGAQ
• Investing in industry development projects worth over $5.8m
• Delivering grants to all QPLA libraries total over $650k
• Hosting training and forums for buyer professional development
• 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 the level of commitment, reinvestment, and support to the sector as only Local Buy can do. When you choose Local Buy, you’re choosing a partner that genuinely prioritises your council and the Queensland communities you serve.

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

Final thoughts

As we look toward the year ahead, it’s clear that 2026 will be a year of progress, innovation, and renewed collaboration for Local Buy and our partners across Queensland. Our commitment to creating value, driving efficiencies, and strengthening local communities remains steadfast. By embracing new technologies, supporting our supplier network, and investing back into the sector, we’re not just meeting procurement needs – we’re building a foundation for long-term success for all councils and buying organisations.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and partnership. Your engagement is what empowers us to deliver on our mission and continue evolving to meet the needs of our sector. Whether you’re a council, supplier, or industry stakeholder, your contributions help shape the future of procurement in Queensland.

On behalf of the entire Local Buy team, I wish you all the best for the year ahead. Together, let’s seize the opportunities before us, champion innovation, and deliver outcomes that benefit every community we serve.

If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback on how we can serve you better, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

All the best,

Glen Duff
General Manager

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