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The Local Buying Foundation (LBF), a not-for-profit initiative established by BHP in partnership with C-Res, is positively impacting the Mackay region delivering economic benefits to local businesses and communities.
To ensure that the LBF funding opportunities target genuine community needs, an Advisory Committee was formed to provide guidance, inform, identify and support the investment and disbursement of the foundation’s funds whilst ensuring effective governance of the Foundation. The committee is a representative body made up of key stakeholders from across the LBF regions with an interest or skills and expertise in regional economic development.
I have represented Mackay Regional Council on the Queensland Committee since 2020 and have assessed many grant applications which have benefited businesses in our region.
The LBF, which has been active in the region for over 10 years provides funding in support of projects and programs which facilitate workforce development, innovation, and capacity building of business and industry to grow the potential of their regional economies.
The LBF is a critical element of BHP’s Local Buying Program, for every dollar spent through the Local Buying Program, BHP commits an amount into trust to the Foundation. To date, LBF has distributed over $7.5 million into Mackay, Isaac and Central Highlands regions.
These grants have supported a diverse range of businesses, community events, networking, professional development workshops and workforce training programs, and have helped the local business community grow their capability and improve their competitiveness.
The LBF has championed business development in the region. In Mackay this includes GW3’s Grants Officer and the Trading Tracks program a partnership between the LBF, BHP and BMA and is delivered by Mackay organisation MARABISDA, it aims to build strong, sustainable Indigenous businesses through workshops and mentoring programs.
The LBF's commitment to supporting the Mackay region is unwavering and continues to impact the region's economic opportunities and growth.
For further details please feel free to contact me at Cr.alison.jones@mackay.qld.gov.au.
Cr Alison Jones
Mackay Regional Council
