Local businesses are at the heart of the Townsville economy and vital to supporting the region’s expected growth over the next few decades.
Supporting and helping businesses realise their potential is one of the core functions of Townsville City Council.
Mayor Jenny Hill says Council had set a goal to increase procurement spending with local businesses to 90 per cent by 2026, while procurement with small to medium-sized businesses would increase by 65 per cent during the same period.
“Capacity for procurement to deliver services and goods to Council continues to grow, and Council supports that growth through procurement and work opportunities, business learning and development seminars, business advisory services and start-up accelerator and incubator programs,” Cr Hill says.
“Through partnerships like the one Council has developed with Smart Precinct NQ, we are helping local businesses prepare for future growth opportunities and provide support through collaboration and learning.
“Our partnerships lead to businesses being offered opportunities to participate in courses and mentorship programs as well as activities like business boot camps.
“The work Council does with local businesses through partnerships help them adapt to some of the changes and challenges as our region grows and transitions into future industries.”
Cr Hill says Council was continually investigating ways to future-proof the region’s economy and job market through attracting green industries to Townsville.
“Council is also helping local businesses transition to future industries by endorsing a master plan for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct and establishing an industry-leading simulation training facility for defence, education and health based in Townsville,” she says.
“By establishing these start-up ventures, Council is helping create opportunities for local small businesses to expand into future industries and continue to grow.
“Through Lansdown, local businesses will have the opportunity to be involved in industries like hydrogen and renewable energy in Townsville.
“The establishment of a simulation training facility will give local businesses the confidence to invest and expand into growth industries like health care, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and more.”
Townsville City Council is one of 18 local governments in Queensland to be recognised as a Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC).
Cr Hill says by signing up as an SBFC Council had committed to supporting small businesses across Townsville and strengthening the local economy.
“Council has made a strong commitment to engaging and communicating with small businesses, raising their profile and capabilities, supporting resilience and recovery, reducing red tape, ensuring fair procurement and prompt payment terms and promoting place-based activities,” she says.
“Council has already started this through activating parts of the city during major events like Carols by Candlelight, the Matildas vs New Zealand Football Ferns international football match and the 2021 State of Origin game to encourage people to come into these areas and spend money with local traders.
“Local businesses are directly supported during these place-based activations to supply services like food, entertainment, audio visual production, security, cleaning, waste removal and service providers.
“The door is always open to businesses wanting to know how they can secure work with Council. Council also runs a proactive campaign twice a year, inviting local businesses to sit down with senior procurement team members to talk about ways they can get work with Council through the Doing Business with Council initiative.
“These are just some of the many initiatives and strategies Council has implemented to support local businesses, particularly small to medium-sized ones.
“Council’s investment in local businesses ensures they can grow with confidence and have the ability to hire more people and seize future opportunities.”
For more information on how Council is working with local businesses, head to townsville.qld.gov.au.
