An influx of local Indigenous suppliers registering with the Local Buying Program (LBP) in NSW, who have the capacity and capability to deliver quality goods and services to BHP, is resulting in LBP targets for FY23 being exceeded.

A combined approach taken by both Mt Arthur Coal and C-Res to identify and onboard Indigenous Businesses, from numerous backgrounds including the Arts, conservation works, civil/earthworks and communications technicians, has resulted in registrations growing in numbers from six in FY22 to 20 during the start of FY23.

Approved Spend with Indigenous suppliers in FY22 reached $1.2 million. Pleasingly, during FY23 to date, $1.05 million Approved Spend has been committed to local Indigenous businesses during the first two months. The increased engagements are contributing to greater capability-building measures within the Indigenous business network.  Smaller businesses are experiencing growth in capacity and resilience.  This has lead to the establishment of a pool of skilled local suppliers for MAC to draw upon to deliver goods and services to the site in a timely manner.

The increase in spending is also assisting the flow of funds through to the Local Buying Foundation in NSW. The local business community is benefitting from the variety of investments made by the Foundation into endeavours which build stronger, more capable and resilient businesses for the future.

“It has been great working with BHP – it has seen our small two-person operation grow into a significant partner in the delivery of services to the site. Without the connection between LBP and BHP, we would never have the opportunities that we now participate in.“ Andrew McManus Co-Owner Operator of AM & JD Contracting said.