Words I Peel Development Commission
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The Local Content Adviser Network (LCAN) is dedicated to improving the contracting success of our regions.
With eyes and ears on the ground in each region, LCAN is focused on increasing opportunities for regional businesses and advocating for the success of regional businesses in the contracting arena.
We’re doing this by advocating across State Government agencies to make the tender application process more manageable for regional businesses to apply, thus
improving the regional success rate. We review all tenders advertised on Tenders WA and report on these asking questions as to how to make the process more equitable
and achievable for regional businesses.
The LCAN also works with State Government procurement officers making suggestions to improve the procurement processes and fighting hard to make changes when necessary to allow for a positive regional outcome. Working with procurement teams like this provides an opportunity and the knowledge for regional businesses
to learn how to ‘talk government back to government’ and develop the skill set to submit applications in the tendering process.
In this way, the LCAN endeavours to change the tendering process to an equal playing field for regional businesses by providing the necessary information around the tendering process that can assist in their success. If a regional business wins a contract, then that win benefits the entire region as this increases other regional business opportunities to participate in the project. Whether as suppliers of goods or services, or simply through the financial benefits remaining in the region by spending
locally, supporting, and sponsoring community organisations, and providing employment opportunities, locally awarded contracts benefit local communities.
While the LCAN encourages regional businesses to step up and take on the challenge of contracting with the Government, it is also understood that not every regional business wants to contract with the Government or has the capacity or capability to be a Head Contractor. However, many regional businesses can successfully participate in subcontracting opportunities.
Through subcontracting, regional businesses are gaining experience and exposure, which improves their ability to contract successfully in the future.
Various ‘tailor-made’ initiatives are in place to assist regional businesses in developing their capacity and capability, and business operations. LCAN collaborates with regional chambers of commerce and industry, and the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to identify regional businesses that can pursue contracting opportunities and advertise the availability of such opportunities.
Some of the key projects and focus areas in the Peel region include;
∙ Madora Bay Primary School
∙ Pinjarra Senior High School
∙ South Metropolitan TAFE Mandurah Campus
∙ West Byford Primary School
∙ Lakelands Station
∙ Mandurah Rail Depot Sign-on Building
∙ Mandurah Station Multi — Storey Carpark
∙ Bunbury Outer Ring Road — BORR
Aboriginal business engagement is a key priority for the LCAN. In the Peel this includes working with the City of Mandurah on the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, part of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), delivering contract management and social media workshops in collaboration with the Wirra Hub, involvement in the South West Native Title Settlement and working with Indigenous Managed Services (IMS) on an Aboriginal Engagement and Participation Plan for the Peel Development Commission.
Building local business capability, another LCAN key priority, is crucial to improving regional participation in contracting opportunities. Local Content Advisers work with local government authorities and Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), the Small Business Development Corporation, the local business advisory organisations, Master Builders Association, regional TAFEs, and community organisations. They are developing and hosting workshops, networking events and mechanisms, and talking to the local business community to support regional businesses in developing their capability. That’s good for local business and good for the region.
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2021 edition of Peel magazine – read the full article and, if you haven’t already, download the latest edition of the Peel magazine here