Hands off Shire tenders
Councillors have rejected a proposal to put the WA Local Government Association in charge of assessing tenders for construction projects in the shire.
The idea was put forward by CEO Gary Evershed as part of a response to recent criticism of the Shire’s tendering process that went before elected members on Wednesday night.
No councillors moved the initial proposal, but Jenny McGregor and Neville Veitch endorsed the ongoing assessment of tenders by staff as well as the Shire’s handling of the process overall.
“I’m fearful if we hand the tender process over to WALGA we might not get it back,” Cr McGregor said.
Cr Veitch said he had “every confidence” in Shire officers.
“It gives us a chance to build a better relationship and fix the problems we have now,” he said.
The CEO’s motion would take up a WALGA offer to run a workshop for builders, architects and contractors who felt the tender process went against local firms.
Public information on the legal requirements of the process would also be provided.
Cr McGregor said a joint training session was the key to opening up discussion with those who believed contracts were increasingly sending work out of town and to bigger companies in Perth and Bunbury.
Cr Mike Smart questioned why none of those who complained were at the meeting to argue their case.
In a lengthy report and with attachments tracking the Times’ reporting of the dissatisfaction of a who’s who of local companies, Mr Evershed laid out the legal requirements of the tender process and said criticisms in the press were “offensive”.
“Officers should not be put at risk of being vilified in the press for doing their jobs conscientiously and in good faith,” he wrote.
“Council also should not be subjected to political pressure through the press to act in any way contrary to their obligations.”
He said there was a lack of understanding about the Shire’s legal obligations and information on the WALGA-preferred template would be provided.
