PORT Macquarie, Kempsey and Bellingen councils will explore ways to work together to deliver major capital works across their three local government areas.
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At a recent meeting of the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) of Councils, general managers and council technical engineering staff formed a collaborative working group designed at exploring opportunities for regional procurement of its major projects.
With a combined annual operating budget of $330 million and a capital works program valued at $138 million, member councils are optimistic they will be able to let combined tenders for some of these works which are generally externally provided specialist services.
It is hoped that by bulking up potential council works packages, it may attract larger contractors who could deliver both technology and better value for money.
In addition, the member councils believe they will save on contract administration as only one resource will be required to administer multiple projects.
MNCJO Chair Liz Campbell said all three member councils have significant water and wastewater projects in the coming years.
"In addition, there remains a focus on timber bridge renewal with advocacy for the MNCJO Timber Bridge Renewal Prospectus to be co-funded by government and the member councils, and used as a pilot to demonstrate improved resource collaboration and delivery efficiency through the Joint Organisation as the lead body," Ms Campbell said.