11th July, 2008
Major new tenders are being let for operational services at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre as the project moves to the new business end of its construction.
Expressions of interest are being called now for suppliers to service the $30million project once it begins operating, including catering, food and beverage, farrier, veterinary, laundry, cleaning, waste disposal and produce supply and delivery.
The tender process provides major new business contracts and markets for potential operators worth substantial income generation and TRC general manager Glenn Inglis is encouraging local firms to consider applying for AELEC contracts.
Progressively over the next few weeks TRC expects to announce contractors with rights to provide customer and supply services for the centre's events and shows. The contracts are advertised and also appear on the www.aelec.com.au website.
TRC GM Glenn Inglis says so far most companies interested in service provision are local. For many of the contracts the demands ensure operators need to be based locally with access to a workforce capable of meeting regular events and variable numbers.
In most cases the operator contracts will provide for exclusive rights and Mr Inglis says TRC's contract agreements will provide for lucrative financial benefits for commercial interests as well as ongoing financial benefits to ratepayers via exclusivity fees.
"It will be a win-win for everyone with some of these agreements because the suppliers derive substantial financial income and as a result of that edge the community through council will derive ongoing income. We will also be able to monitor operating costs and ensure prices are competitive and that standards of service provision are maintained at a high level."
"The scope for local businesses to be involved is tremendous. AELEC is generating new events that will bring new revenue and visitor numbers to this region. Local firms should see the opportunities there as great ways to increase their market share or expand their business skills."
One of the major contracts being advertised now is the supply of food and beverage services. TRC is looking for operators to run an event kiosk and a permanent cafe at AELEC, and it is also seeking a panel of food operators to provide for different events in the VIP area, in the entertainment centre (TRECC) and for special events in the whole events precinct at the Longyard, as well as operators to run mobile concessions.
"The opportunities are there for more than just a few operators in that industry to be involved. It also provides potential for operators to collaborate and for flow-on market share through partnerships. I'd hope that a lot of small business operators might identify the potential there rather than thinking it might be too big for them to handle."