From the General Manager's desk

Published on 07 October 2025

As we enter the final quarter of the calendar year, I’d like to share key updates and upcoming events shaping our work at Local Buy and across Queensland’s procurement landscape. We’re moving fast to support all 77 member councils in Queensland, hundreds of other buying organisations, and thousands of pre-qualified suppliers.

September Highlights

Arrangement Evaluations

We’re currently evaluating over 1,007 supplier submissions across 48 Arrangements from the August tender round. This significant effort ensures our buying organisations have access to trusted local suppliers across hundreds of categories – so you can focus on procurement, not paperwork and red-tape. With over 541 organisations using our Arrangements, we continue to deliver strong value across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and beyond.

Disaster Recovery Management Arrangement

In collaboration with the LGAQ, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and other stakeholders, we’re developing a new Local Buy Arrangement to support coordination of counter-disaster operations and emergency works, disaster consultancy, program management, and grant writing. This preferred supplier Arrangement complements our existing Arrangements and will be critical as we approach disaster season. We are currently evaluating suppliers with proven experience in disaster events – more details to come.

VendorPanel to Unimarket Transition

As communicated by our team, VendorPanel is merging with Unimarket, forming a stronger source-to-pay platform. Local Buy continues to fund the source-to-contract modules for all 77 Queensland councils, under our award-winning Local Buy Technology Program, ensuring continuity and enhanced capability for our member councils. For now, this is a branding change only and no action is required – more updates to follow.

25 Year Anniversary Conference – Save the Date – 5 August 2026

We’re excited to celebrate 25 years of supporting Queensland procurement with a one-day conference and evening event on the 5th August 2026 in Brisbane. With up to 300 attendees expected, this milestone event will honour our long-standing partnerships and celebrate our strong legacy. Please save the date (and night) – more details to come.

Top Five Focus Areas This Month

I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our team and the high level of engagement demonstrated across all areas of Local Buy in supporting the sector. As we enter conference season, our pace accelerates as we continue to support and connect across the state. Below are a few key initiatives to keep on your radar.

LGAQ Annual Conference – Gold Coast, 20–22 October

Being wholly owned by the LGAQ, Local Buy always look forward to exhibiting at the LGAQ Annual Conference. This flagship event brings together local government leaders from across the state to discuss key issues, share best practices, and network. We look forward to connecting with many of you there and showcasing how our partnership with councils continues to support the sector in delivering efficient, ethical, and impactful procurement. Please visit our booth in the LGAQ precinct – we’d love to connect.

Demystifying Contractor Insurance Limits Webinar - 28 October

Join us online for ‘Demystifying Contractor Insurance Limits’, designed to clarify insurance requirements and help councils manage risk effectively. With over 90 registrations already, it’s shaping up to be a valuable session. Register via our Events Calendar.

Local Buy and VendorPanel Training – Online, 16 & 30 October

We’re continuing our Local Buy and VendorPanel training series, including a deep dive session into evaluation tools. These sessions support councils and buying organisations in making the most of our procurement platforms. Details available here.

CQ Summit – Yeppoon, 5 November

We’re excited to host the Central Queensland Procurement Summit in Yeppoon on Wednesday, 5 November. This one-day event is a fantastic opportunity for council delegates to connect, share insights, and explore procurement trends with peers and industry experts. With a strong regional focus, the summit is free for councils to attend and promises valuable takeaways for all participants. If you haven’t registered yet, I encourage you to do so. Register here.

November Tender Release

We’re finalising tenders for the November round, traditionally a lighter cycle which is driven by council need and supplier interest. Thank you to all buyers and suppliers for helping shape this round as we prepare for 2026.

We’re also pleased to be attending several key events, including the Sunshine Coast First Nations Business Showcase, the Fraser Coast & Gympie Regional Industry Briefing, the Local Government Finance Professionals (LGFP) Annual Conference, and the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) Annual Conference, among others.

Thank you to all councils and buying organisations for your ongoing partnership. Your engagement with our category, engagement, and technology teams strengthens our commitment – to support your procurement success by connecting you with the right Local Buy Arrangements, technology, and solutions.

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

All the best!