From the General Manager's desk

Published on 17 November 2025

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As we close out 2025, our focus is firmly on the future. Procurement is no longer just a process – it’s a strategic driver of resilience, sustainability, and innovation. At Local Buy, we’re committed to leading this transformation by delivering smarter solutions, stronger partnerships, and greater value for councils and communities across Queensland. 

Our partnerships with State Government, peak bodies, member councils, and industry are central to advancing procurement and creating lasting impact. 

Peak Services group Annual Update

It was an honour to represent the Peak Services group at the LGAQ Annual Conference, delivering the Annual Update on behalf of our group CEO, Brett Fraser. Joining our Board Chair to showcase the impact of our work was a proud moment for our team.

We also hosted a fireside chat with Mayor Andrew Martin (Blackall-Tambo) and Mayor Ry Collins (Whitsunday), highlighting our value in strengthening local government outcomes. Local Buy Arrangements, grant writing and legal and workforce all received special mention, providing invaluable solutions to both councils. These connections underscore our unique position: combining deep sector knowledge, trusted networks, and genuine care for our councils.

Read Local Buy Year in Review

Local Buy rebrand

A refreshed visual identity is coming soon – modern yet familiar, reflecting our strong value proposition. You will start seeing this 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 as part of the broader Peak Services group.

Disaster Management & Recovery Arrangement

In response to council requests for streamlined disaster recovery processes, Local Buy – working in collaboration with QRA, LGAQ, councils, and industry partners, is launching the Disaster Management & Recovery Arrangement (LB505) to streamline procurement during disaster events. 

This Arrangement appoints pre-qualified suppliers with proven experience in the coordination of counter disaster operations and emergency works, consultancy, program management, and grant writing across all phases – plan, prepare, respond, recover.

Of course, comprehensive options for all disaster-related categories are also available via our 50+ additional Arrangements and 4,500 pre-qualified suppliers – and we have developed special conditions you can utilise during disaster-related engagements, supporting compliance to QRA and DRFA requirements.

Our Disaster Recovery Procurement Toolkit will be released shortly, providing clear guidance on using LB505 and utilising Local Buy Arrangements for disaster-related works.

Disaster contract launch webinar - 3 December 

Click the buttons below to register

LGAQ Conference

As a wholly owned subsidiary of LGAQ, Local Buy was proud to exhibit at this flagship event, which brought together Mayors, Councillors, CEOs, suppliers, key representatives from across Queensland and the odd celebrity. Our team engaged with council representatives statewide, reinforcing relationships and sharing insights on procurement. 

Highlights included council motions shaping LGAQ’s policy agenda and addresses from the Premier and Deputy Premier on the importance of strong, equal state-local partnerships – an approach we exemplify through our peak body procurement collaboration between Local Buy (representing local government) and Queensland Government Procurement (representing state-government). 

We valued the opportunity to connect and look forward to continuing these conversations to drive procurement outcomes.

Energy Procurement: Retail Electricity, PPA & Gas

Our new Retail Energy Arrangement is nearing appointment, expanding to include Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) capable suppliers and Gas. This strategic category continues to deliver millions in savings for councils annually via Local Buy’s leadership in this category. Our energy office is available to discuss how your council can leverage this initiative. Contact Mike Fidelli mfidelli@localbuy.net.au to learn more.

November Arrangements

We are currently out to market with 12 new Arrangements requested by councils, ensuring access to trusted suppliers across hundreds of categories that meet council’s needs. With 541 organisations leveraging Local Buy, we remain committed to reducing red tape and enabling efficient procurement via our Arrangements and procurement technology solutions.

Upcoming Events

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

Explore the other articles in this edition – they’re packed with insights and updated.

As always, please reach out with any questions or ideas – we’re here to help.

All the best,

Glen Duff