Councillors voted unanimously for a local spending initiative, which will see Council identify where they can increase its expenditure within the Mid-Western Region.
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The motion put to the April meeting was for Council to review any current purchasing arrangements where goods and services are sourced from outside of the region, and look for local opportunities within existing Policies and Contract arrangements.
And request a report be brought back to the May meeting, reviewing the Local Preference Policy, and implementing an interim COVID-19 Local Preference Policy to strengthen the spend on goods and services within the region.
Cr Paul Cavalier, who listed the motion, said the initiative will provide an injection into the regional economy during the pandemic, as well as demonstrate Council's willingness to procure products and services locally.
"The COVID-19 situation is proving to be quite difficult for everybody, not least of which our local businesses," he said.
"While I understand that Council has some very robust procurement procedures in place to date, there are certain areas within the organisation where there is no specific requirement for those areas of Council to spend their money locally.
"And it's essential, now more than ever, that local businesses work together and locals spend their money locally. And as the local governing body we can't necessarily expect that of our residents if we aren't doing it ourselves.
"What I'm asking for in this notice of motion is that Council staff, when they go about their day-to-day business, look at where they'll spend money. Where you would look to order products or services from outside the area, reassess on a case by case basis as to whether that money could be spent locally.
"That would see a cash injection back into the local economy that we otherwise wouldn't see. More so, it will provide that injection at a time when it's most needed."
Furthermore, Council will encourage - through media, social media, and any other means available - local business cooperation during the pandemic and encourage consumers to shop locally wherever possible.
