Changes to local business boundaries lead the way in reconciliation

Published 31 October 2025

Under new changes, Aboriginal and Torres Islander businesses of Jinibara, Kabi Kabi and Turrbal communities that extend beyond City of Moreton Bay’s local government area are now considered a local business

These changes maximise opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to partner with Council and grow and generate employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

City of Moreton Bay is committed to working towards its reconciliation vision to support Aboriginal and Torres Islander businesses in practical and meaningful ways

Council has adopted changes to expand the boundary and definition of a local business to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Jinibara, Kabi Kabi, and Turrbal Country.

Under the Procurement Policy and Local Preference procedure, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses are now considered a local business, expanding from the earlier definition of only including businesses within City of Moreton Bay’s local government area.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council is committed to reconciliation and working in partnership with Traditional Custodians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to shape a shared future for the benefit of all communities.

“While the local government boundaries are local to our residents, they aren’t local to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the Jinibara, Kabi Kabi and Turrbal communities,” Mayor Flannery said.

“By acknowledging Country as local, we can now prioritise working with more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to strengthen our relationships and drive sustainable growth.

“We adopted our inaugural Innovate RAP in 2023 and since then we have been committed to engaging meaningfully in reconciliation and inclusion.

“As part of our RAP we are committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.

“Updating the local business boundaries and definitions signifies our long-term commitment to reconciliation and achieving the goals of our RAP through meaningful change.

“It also strengthens our commitment to maximising opportunities by contributing towards increased economic participation and the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.”

Council must invite quotations from local businesses in the first instance where inviting quotations up to $500,000, with further evaluation weighting advantages for tenders.

Suppliers wanting to do business with Council are encouraged to visit the ‘Doing business with Council’ website and register for VendorPanel Marketplace.

Media Contact: news@moretonbay.qld.gov.au or 3480 6282