The recent WA Industry Link Regional Communications Forum held in Mandurah brought together state government representatives, policy makers and local businesses in the Peel region to learn more about ways to access government contracts and was also a chance for regional representatives to provide suggestions to government.
Hosted by the Department of Jobs, Technology, Science and Innovation in partnership with the Peel Development Commission, the forum was designed to give attendees the opportunity to learn about policies that support local businesses. It was also an opportunity to hear from state government agencies about how to access upcoming projects and initiatives throughout the Peel region and provide a setting to speak to decision makers first-hand.
Therese Ejsak, Local Content Adviser, Peel Development Commission said that, “The role of the Local Content Adviser is one of connecting, that is, a conduit between local government, state government and businesses in the Peel region to maximise the participation of our local businesses in regional supply or work contracting opportunities.”
Supporting local businesses in building capacity and capability through the provision of information around government contracting and tendering processes is critical for businesses to gain an understanding of government contracting and enable them to be competitive in regional procurement processes. The growth of regional businesses helps create more jobs, but they need the support, knowledge and network connections to access the opportunities available.
Paddi Creevey, Chair, Peel Development Commission, said that, “We want to make the Peel region an even better place to live, work and invest, and how we do this is by partnering with government, communities, business and industry to identify and support projects that benefit the region. We need to think differently, work differently and collaborate differently, and we need to equip our small businesses and start-ups with the knowledge and the capability to access opportunities.”
With speakers representing various state government agencies explaining their projects and contracting requirements, attendees were given a practical understanding of how to access the opportunities that exist in the Peel region as well as an update on the Western Australian Industry Participation Strategy (WAIPS).
“The more transparent and accessible these policies, procedures and opportunities are, the greater the participation rates of local business, which means more jobs, and with significant projects within the Peel, there are not only opportunities for lead contractors, but also an array of subcontracting possibilities,” said Therese Ejsak.
Driving economic growth within the region by the provision of more jobs through the number of contracts awarded to local businesses relies on collaboration and working together to assist our businesses in their ability to be competitive in regional procurement processes.
For more information, upcoming workshops and forums, support and resources, contact Therese Ejsak, Local Content Adviser, Peel Development Commission on 9535 4140 or by email at therese.ejsak@peel.wa.gov.au.