Big boost for buying better in Townsville
A CQUniversity project to shape sustainable new ways for Townsville industry and business to support local jobs is surging forward, with new work to develop a community-led procurement blueprint for the region.
CQU’s Social Impact Lab has led a hands-on local workshop to drive an Impact Procurement Framework, as part of Q-SEED (Queensland Social procurement, Employment and Economic Development).
The 18-month initiative is working to transform Townsville through social, Indigenous, and local procurement, through a CQU partnership with Proxima Group (formerly ArcBlue) and Smart Precinct North Queensland.
Social Impact Lab Program Managers Steve Williams and Sara Brown facilitated the workshop at SPNQ in Townsville on Thursday 20 November, and said nearly 30 passionate participants achieved a big shift.
“This was an opportunity to listen to voices from government, business, industry, and community all in one room, and take a co-creation approach to building an aspirational Impact Procurement Framework,” Mr Williams explained.
“This invaluable input helped uncover bias and barriers, identify opportunities, and lay foundations for a community-led blueprint that works in the real world.”
The framework will be available to business, industry and government across the region, and assist decision-makers to ensure a bigger local share of Townsville’s five-year, $14 billion investment and infrastructure pipeline.
“We know there is already great work being done in the region, so workshop participants relished the chance to collectively design something that captures this progress, and helps us work towards procurement goals that will benefit the whole community,” Ms Brown said.
“The framework aims to embed social and local outcomes as business-as-usual in procurement across Townsville—ensuring sustainable benefits that are well beyond the life of the Q-SEED project.”
SPNQ CEO Cassandra Cazzulino said hosting the event was a privilege, and uncovered plenty of opportunities.
"A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time, perspectives, and lived experience and who’s input is helping shape a practical, community-led framework that reflects the strengths and ambitions of our region," she said.
Q-SEED is funded by the Queensland Government and The John Villiers Trust, and has also seen CQUniversity work with young people, youth-focused organisations and employers to co-create new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive youth jobs.
The draft framework will be shared on the Q-SEED website in coming weeks.
CQUniversity’s Social Impact Lab leads human-centred design and co-design to tackle challenges in communities, and make a difference globally. Connect via the Social Impact Lab website.
