The City of Greater Bendigo has awarded contracts to 39 businesses to deliver a range of trade services for the next three years.
These services include building, building maintenance, electrical, plumbing and gas fitting, glazing and glass repairs, painting, pressure washing and graffiti removal, roller doors and shutters, hoists and adult change tables.
Director Presentation and Assets Brian Westley said some businesses received more than one contract.
"This was the first time in five years that the City had called for tenders to provide various trade services. This was an important opportunity to test the market and appoint appropriate providers that we can use to undertake works on a range of community assets, including halls, sports pavilions, heritage buildings, tourist attractions and more," Mr Westley said.
"Mostly, the successful businesses are from central Victoria or employ people based in central Victoria, which fits with our definition of 'local'.
"In most instances, more than one business that provides the same type of service was chosen to ensure that the work can be shared and when major work needs to be undertaken, quotes can be sourced and compared to ensure the best value for ratepayer money.
"The tender process has been able to confirm the chosen businesses have the appropriate experience and credentials to do the work. So, this will fast-track the process to deliver maintenance or repairs as required.
"There is an option to extend the contracts by up to a further four years and while there is no financial commitment to engage any of the preferred tenderers, it is possible up to $21M could be spent across the various trades in the seven-year period.
"Thank you to all businesses that expressed interest in being part of this tender process. The City has more than 1,400 public buildings and structures that it is responsible for, so demand for trades to help maintain these assets is never-ending.
"The City looks forward to supporting a range of local businesses in the years to come."
The tender process and appointment of the businesses was overseen by AFS & Associates, the City's independent probity advisors.
