From opportunity to impact
At the heart of our work is a deep belief in the potential of regional Australia. The BHP Local Buying Program in FY25 has continued to prove just how powerful that potential is when supported by strong partnerships, streamlined systems and community-first thinking.
This year, our focus sharpened around the full Local Buying Cycle. It’s a model that creates genuine economic impact, with each stage of the cycle reinforcing the next. The BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation are integral parts of BHP’s Social Value framework, helping to build thriving local business ecosystems and contributing to a safer, more resilient and sustainable regional communities.
FY25 marked a significant milestone in our journey, with two major achievements since the program’s inception. We surpassed 100,000 approved Work Instructions, an enduring testament to the scale and efficiency of our operations. Additionally, cumulative spend with BHP Local Buying Program Suppliers exceeded $1.5 billion, reflecting our long-standing and growing commitment to local economic development. These achievements are more than numbers, they represent thousands of successful transactions, strengthened supplier relationships and benefits that flow into our regional communities.
Our Supply Chain Ready program reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that local and Indigenous suppliers are not only visible to BHP Buyers, but fully equipped to meet BHP’s minimum requirements for procurement. This program supports businesses in understanding and achieving key compliance, safety and operational standards, helping them build confidence and capability to secure and sustain work with BHP.
By working closely with suppliers through tailored support and resources, we’re strengthening the quality and readiness of local supply chains. This creates a more robust, competitive business community that is well-positioned for long-term success.
This success has been mirrored by expansion into new operational areas, with the inclusion of BHP Prominent Hill and BHP Carrapateena, in South Australia, bringing increased opportunities to our supplier network. Our focus remains on both welcoming new participants and continuing to support and promote those already part of our network.
Alongside BHP, our team continues to commit to systems and innovations that ensure the needs of suppliers, buyers and stakeholders are met with agility and reliability. As always, we are guided by our Vision, Purpose and Values. It is this foundation that enables us to adapt to change, deliver on our commitments and stay deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Within the cycle is the Local Buying Foundation, not just the final piece, but also the beginning. Investment received also flows back into community-driven initiatives that create long term value. Providing funding to Industry Engagement Officers as well as the capability building programs they coordinate, reflect our shared goal with BHP – to leave a lasting, positive legacy in every region we touch.
As we look ahead to FY26, we do so with pride in what we’ve achieved, together with an excitement for what’s to come.
Tracey Cuttriss-Smith,
CEO, C-Res.
Click here to view our FY25 Annual Summary video