Organisations like Dubbo Regional Council choosing to support local businesses will help the city's economy, says arborist Shannon Hart.
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Council's new Community Support Based Procurement Policy started this month. For anything under $10,000, council will, if possible, purchase from a local supplier. For larger jobs, there will be between a five to 10 per cent price advantage for local businesses.
Mr Hart from Arbortec Tree Service said it was great for local businesses to be supported.
He encouraged other businesses to look into the new policy.
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"It's great for the community to get more local businesses on board. It's keeping the money locally and helping the economy," Mr Hart said.
"Especially with the times now it's what we need. COVID hasn't fully hit us like in Victoria and Sydney but anything could happen. We need to keep the money coming in."
Mr Hart said businesses should all be helping each other out.
"Rather than get something from Sydney, you could just pay a little bit extra and get it from someone in town, then the money is staying local," he said.
Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said the procurement policy was created following feedback from locals.
"Council is aware that COVID-19 is affecting local businesses, and therefore, we want to ensure businesses are given every opportunity to be competitive in this challenging period," he said.
Thankfully, business has been going well for the arborist.
Mr Hart said the Arbortec Tree Service staff had been "pretty flat out", which he attributed to people being home more and seeing things that needed to be done.
"It's hard being busy but it's also a blessing at the same time. It could be worse," he said.
Businesses are encouraged to sign up for VendorPanel to be notified of any council tender opportunities.
Those with questions can also contact council's procurement team on (02) 6801 4000.