Readers back buy local call
CHRONICLE readers have had their say about council’s commitment to buying local in the wake of criticism by Toowoomba construction company FK Gardner and Sons.
FKG managing director Gary Gardner slammed the local procurement policy after four failed attempts to enter the tendering process for recent major council projects.
The design and construction of the new Toowoomba City Library was the latest venture for which FKG did not make it past the expression-of-interest stage.
Mr Gardner was critical of council officers “thinking that local builders do not have the skills and capabilities and instead shortlist contractors from Brisbane, Sydney or Adelaide”.
“You would think that council would favour local companies in order to grow the regional economy, particularly on specialised projects, so the local companies continue to gain expertise and experience to enable them to go out and win work in other areas, in turn bringing the profits and jobs back to Toowoomba,” he said.