The Schrinner Council’s popular seven-day payment commitment has helped improve the cash flow of thousands of businesses during the pandemic.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner today released new figures showing his Council had processed more than 140,000 invoices within seven days throughout 2021.
The payments valued at $800 million were received by 3528 businesses who were contracted to supply good or services on behalf of Brisbane residents.
“We’re committed to being the most small business-friendly local government in the country and these figures show we are delivering,” Cr Schrinner said.
“It means on average every working day our Council is paying over 500 invoices within the seven-day payment window which is an extraordinary result.
“Every time Council pays within seven days, it’s helping the cash flow of that business and supporting jobs.
“In concert with our 80 per cent Local Buy initiative, it means local businesses are getting contracts from Council and getting paid for the work they perform quickly.
“This has been particularly important for local businesses during the global pandemic when supply chains have been interrupted and conditions have often changed overnight.
“From sparkies and plumbers to gardeners and labourers, the local businesses we engage everyday undertake work that is helping to make Brisbane even better.”
Murrarie’s Eagle Alliance Earthmoving General Manager Rui Lopes said the quick turnaround on payments had made a significant difference to the company’s cashflow.
“On any given day, our team is operational on over 30 Council project sites. As South East Queensland’s largest earthmoving company, we are proud to support the Brisbane City Council to realise their maintenance, construction and infrastructure projects,” he said.
“Our company employs 17 admin-based staff and manage a team of 200-plus full-time subcontractors.
“While it may be the largest local government in Australia, Brisbane City Council is abreast of the importance of working with and supporting local industry. The introduction of the seven-day payment terms has made a huge difference. While we stringently balance our cash reserves, the payment terms provide a cash flow boost enabling us to further support our suppliers during these challenging times.”
The seven-day payment figures come after the release of the Schrinner Council’s latest business assistance package under which $5 million in fees for the first quarter of 2022 were waived for businesses and community groups struggling amid the Omicron case wave.
This initiative is in addition to the $58.3 million Council has invested in emergency business relief and stimulus measures during the pandemic.
For more information about Council’s business support visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au