A new policy means Orange City Council will consider Orange business during tenders.
ORANGE City Council voted unanimously at Thursday night’s meeting to increase their support of local business through a new policy.
All councillors voted to adopt the Local Preference Purchasing Policy, which will ensure council considers Orange business during tenders.
There will be a 2 per cent price advantage applied, according to councillor Reg Kidd, and as long as businesses meet the criteria council may soon be spending with more Orange businesses.
Cr Kidd said as long as local businesses were able to provide the same service they would be considered in any tender.
“They’ve got to be able to do the job, have good staff and have a good track record,” he said.
Cr Kidd said the policy showed council’s commitment to growing Orange’s economy.
“We’ve got to show we’re part of looking after our own,” he said.
“If wewant to encourage people to shop and buy locally and make Orange grow we have to be part of it to.”
He said the policy should be seen as an opportunity for Orange businesses to be a part of how council spends their funds.
“It gives local businesses an opportunity to fine tune their prices too,” he said.
“I think this [policy] gives a lot of confidence to the business community.”
However, Cr Kidd said there was still discussion surrounding Orange branches of national organisations and whether they would be considered local under the policy.
nadine.morton@ruralpress.com