CASE STUDY: Port Participates in Procurement for Good

CASE STUDY: Port Participates in Procurement for Good

Q-SEED’s ongoing engagement with Port of Townsville has been a key element of the project, driving involvement and opportunities to transform the region through social, Indigenous and local procurement.

Port of Townsville Manager Procurement & Contracts Sam Scandlyn was part of the dynamic Q-SEED procurement panel at Q-SEED’s launch in July 2024, at an event with more than 60 people at Smart Precinct NQ.

On the panel, and in the Q-SEED newsletter, Ms Scandlyn shared her insights into what the project offered the region’s business, industry and community.

“Q-SEED offers a great opportunity to connect with local suppliers and businesses, enhancing the diversity and sustainability of our supply chain. This initiative aligns with our goals of promoting local economic growth and integrating sustainable practices into our operations,” she said.

“I hope Q-SEED stimulates economic and social development in Townsville by fostering local business growth and job creation.

“Adoption of the Q-SEED principles by industry and business will likely provide increased employment opportunities for individuals who might normally face barriers in accessing meaningful work.”

Ms Scandlyn and her Port of Townsville colleagues have since participated in a range of Q-SEED activities, including:

  • Workshops for Procurement & Suppliers​
  • Meet the buyer events​
  • Supply chain mapping
  • Completing Social Procurement and Inclusive Employment Capability Assessment, with 17 other local businesses
  • Completing a maturity assessment, with 14 other local businesses
  • Gaining access to the Q-SEED Procurement Hub.

Port of Townsville was also one of five employers to participate in Q-SEED Youth co-labs with local young people and youth organisations, to meaningfully engage and develop youth employment opportunities.

The co-designed solutions to youth engagement challenges will be tested by Port of Townsville and other local employers across 2025, with CQUniversity set to report on outcomes and impacts.

“The opportunity to engage with a diverse group of professionals who are passionate about driving positive change… has been enriching, providing valuable insights, and fostering a sense of community,” Ms Scandlyn said.

“It’s been great to see the collective commitment to sustainability and innovation, and I’m excited about the future collaborations and initiatives that will emerge from Q-SEED.”

 

  • Copperstring 2032, building around 1,100km electricity transmission lines from Townsville to Mt Isa.
  • For the 2032 Olympics, Townsville will co-host sailing with the Whitsundays and host football at North Queensland Stadium. Supporting upgrades to road infrastructure and investment in grassroots sport, have also been flagged.
  • Townsville University Hospital is undergoing a significant redevelopment and expansion.
  • The Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub will be a sustainable battery materials refinery, processing and advanced manufacturing facility. Supporting roads and water infrastructure will also be required.
  • James Cook University $1.9 billion masterplan.
  • Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative, constructing training facilities to host up to 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces.
  • $1.6 billion Townsville Port Expansion Project, including Outer Harbour Development and Channel Upgrade.
  • Others as per Construction Skills Queensland

This list is just a small snapshot of the significant incoming infrastructure investment to the Townsville region, with the opportunity for local supply of labour, materials, equipment, logistics, services, housing and community support. Through the QSEED program we know that Townsville is home to a broad range of innovative businesses (including First Nations businesses and social enterprises) a diverse workforce, and a trainee candidate pool with the desire to upskill and make a positive contribution.

So Townsville, now is the time to harness your own Procurement Impact Framework to achieve enhanced and legacy procurement outcomes for your community.  It’s not just your geographic position alone that gives you a strategic advantage…

 

Townsville’s Impact Procurement Framework will be housed on the Townsville City Council procurement website: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/tenders

It is also available on the QSEED project at Smart Precinct North Queensland: https://spnq.org/qseed/

A formal evaluation of the QSEED program will be undertaken by Professor Olav Muuurlink of CQ University. The results will be released at the Q-SEED Impact Procurement Framework, Best Practice Toolkit Launch on Wednesday 27 May; 12-1pm

https://events.humanitix.com/q-seed-framework-toolkit-launch

 

 

 

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