Behind the Arrangements - Building the framework for local government

Published on 15 October 2026

How Local Buy is shaping the future of procurement

Article by Matthew Ziegenfusz, Manager Procurement

Key takeaways

Several major Arrangements are being extended through to 2029 and 2030, providing continuity and certainty for councils and suppliers.
Engagement with councils across Queensland is ensuring that local challenges, market intelligence and procurement priorities directly inform future strategies.
Local Buy is exploring five new Arrangement opportunities while redesigning existing procurement pathways to better meet future council needs.
New Category Management Plans have been completed across all portfolios, providing a multi-year roadmap to maximise value, manage risk and respond to changing market conditions.

When councils access a Local Buy Arrangement, they see a procurement solution designed to save time, reduce risk and deliver value. What is less visible is the strategic planning, market engagement and category expertise that ensure those Arrangements remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.

To provide greater insight into this work, we are starting ‘Behind the Arrangements’, a new series highlighting how our Category Management, Engagement teams and councils are helping shape the framework for procurement in Queensland local government.

Turning market intelligence into procurement advantage

Over the past several months, Local Buy has completed a comprehensive suite of Category Management Plans across all portfolios.

These plans go beyond managing Arrangements. They bring together council feedback, procurement trends, supplier intelligence, market analysis and emerging risks to create a long-term roadmap for each category.

The result is a more strategic approach to procurement, helping anticipate future demand, identify opportunities for innovation and ensure councils have access to procurement solutions that remain fit for purpose as markets evolve.

In an environment shaped by infrastructure investment, digital transformation, supply chain disruption and changing community expectations, proactive planning has never been more important.

Strengthening existing Arrangements

Several key Arrangements are currently progressing through the extension processes, providing continued access to trusted procurement pathways across critical categories.

Extension timing	Arrangement	Status/proposed term
October 2026	LB335 Planning, Surveying, Design & Architectural Services	Completed – extended to October 2029
January 2027	NPN1.23 Trucks, Buses, Specialised Trucks, Truck Bodies and Trailers	Extension proposed to January 2030
April 2027	LB313 Road and General Civil Construction	Extension proposed to April 2030
	LB329 Building and Construction – Commercial Construction and Fit Out	Extension proposed to April 2030
	LB331 Building and Construction - Residential	Extension proposed to April 2030
	LB314 Water, Sewerage and Stormwater	Extension proposed to April 2030

These reviews are not simply administrative exercises. Each extension provides an opportunity to assess supplier capability, evaluate market conditions and ensure procurement models continue to meet council requirements.

At the same time, Local Buy is actively exploring new Arrangement opportunities and reviewing existing categories to ensure they remain aligned with sector priorities and supplier market capability.

The market is not standing still, and neither are we.

Taking procurement strategy on the road

Strong procurement outcomes start with understanding local needs.

Over recent months, Local Buy's Engagement and Category teams have undertaken extensive council visits across southeast Queensland, central Queensland, the Darling Downs and far north Queensland. Engaging directly with councils across Queensland and beyond is critical to the support we provide the sector in connecting councils to the capability they need to deliver for their communities.

These engagements provide practical support through Arrangement and Unimarket training, supplier onboarding, market insights and procurement advice, while also delivering something equally valuable: direct insight into the challenges and opportunities facing councils.

Whether discussing infrastructure delivery, resource constraints, contract management or emerging procurement requirements, these conversations help ensure Local Buy's strategies remain grounded in the realities facing local government.

This feedback is then translated directly into category planning, council and supplier engagement and future Arrangement development.

One sector. One procurement framework.

Behind every Arrangement is a full team at Local Buy supporting the strategy and delivery of each. This includes a close partnership between Local Buy's Category Management and Engagement teams with council officers.

Category Managers bring market intelligence, commercial expertise and strategic planning. Engagement Managers bring council insights, supplier feedback and an understanding of local challenges. Together, they create a continuous feedback loop that ensures Arrangements remain practical, responsive and future-focused.

This integrated approach helps councils access procurement solutions that not only meet today's requirements but are positioned to support tomorrow's opportunities.

Because ultimately, Arrangements are only part of the story.

Behind every Arrangement is a team committed to helping councils manage risk, improve efficiency, access capability and deliver better outcomes for their communities.

And that's the story we'll continue sharing through ‘Behind the Arrangements’.

If you'd like more information about our Arrangements, please contact us at enquiry@localbuy.net.au