Buying local boost

LOCAL businesses are set to boom as new laws change the way councils can spend their money.

Changes to the Local Government Act passed earlier this week give local councils power to support their communities more.

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the changes would have a positive effect on local industry.

"This change is a wonderful initiative for the community," he said.

Cr Kratzmann said the new laws would give the council an opportunity to look at using more local services.

"We have just implemented a new procurement policy where we try to use our three required quotes with local businesses," he said.

"Previously we could use local services as long as their cost was within 5% of another quote.

"But the law changes have given the council a far greater weighting of costs from 5% to 10%."

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said local councils were able to decide whether to use local services or not.

"Changes to the Local Government Act have clarified that councils can use their own good judgment when deciding which criteria to use in making decisions about what they will buy and from whom," he said.

Do you think the changes to the Act will see more support for local businesses? Have your say at editorial@southburnetttimes .com.au.