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Q-SEED

What is Q-SEED?

Q-SEED is an innovative solution, calling for multiple organisations, across government, industry, and the community sector to focus on the region, rather than their individual part in the eco-system. This requires a common understanding of the regional challenges from other perspectives and a mutual agreement on how to solve it.

Q-SEED applies place-based principles and a collaborative impact model to create systemic change and remove structural barriers to support businesses across sectors and sizes to keep spend within Townsville and create more jobs. Providing expert supply chain experience to map the local supply chain to understand opportunities for local businesses and workforces ensures the model harnesses real opportunity for local business and the current and future workforce of Townsville.

Across 2024-2026, the program focused on building individual organisational innovation capability to increase social/local procurement outcomes as well as networked capability to address systemic and structural challenges and find solutions – the enabling ecosystem.

The work continues to inform inclusive and local-first procurement processes and priorities across North Queensland.

Q-SEED was delivered by CQUniversity’s Social Impact Lab, with procurement specialists ArcBlue (now Proxima) and local activator Smart Precinct NQ.

Q-SEED and the Townsville City Council Procurement Framework

At Townsville City Council, our procurement framework reflects Q-SEED principles by using procurement as a strategic lever to deliver place-based economic and social outcomes for the region. This means planning earlier, engaging the local market sooner, improving visibility of procurement pipelines, and designing opportunities that are more accessible to local, small and First Nations businesses. Through this approach, Council can help keep more spend in Townsville, build supplier capability, support inclusive employment pathways and strengthen a more resilient local economy, while still maintaining value for money, probity and accountable decision-making.

Refer to the resources below for more information on applying a socially responsible approach to procurement with Q-SEED.

Key Documents

Case Study: Port of Townsville Participates in Procurement for Good

Q-SEED’s ongoing engagement with Port of Townsville has been a key element of the project, driving involvement and opportunities to transform the region through social, Indigenous and local procurement.

Port of Townsville Manager Procurement & Contracts Sam Scandlyn was part of the dynamic Q-SEED procurement panel at Q-SEED’s launch in July 2024, at an event with more than 60 people at Smart Precinct NQ.

On the panel, and in the Q-SEED newsletter, Ms Scandlyn shared her insights into what the project offered the region’s business, industry and community.

“Q-SEED offers a great opportunity to connect with local suppliers and businesses, enhancing the diversity and sustainability of our supply chain. This initiative aligns with our goals of promoting local economic growth and integrating sustainable practices into our operations,” she said.

“I hope Q-SEED stimulates economic and social development in Townsville by fostering local business growth and job creation.

“Adoption of the Q-SEED principles by industry and business will likely provide increased employment opportunities for individuals who might normally face barriers in accessing meaningful work.”

Ms Scandlyn and her Port of Townsville colleagues have since participated in a range of Q-SEED activities, including:

Workshops for Procurement & Suppliers
Meet the buyer events
Supply chain mapping
Completing Social Procurement and Inclusive Employment Capability Assessment, with 17 other local businesses
Completing a maturity assessment, with 14 other local businesses
Gaining access to the Q-SEED Procurement Hub.

Port of Townsville was also one of five employers to participate in Q-SEED Youth co-labs with local young people and youth organisations, to meaningfully engage and develop youth employment opportunities.

The co-designed solutions to youth engagement challenges will be tested by Port of Townsville and other local employers across 2025, with CQUniversity set to report on outcomes and impacts.

“The opportunity to engage with a diverse group of professionals who are passionate about driving positive change… has been enriching, providing valuable insights, and fostering a sense of community,” Ms Scandlyn said.

“It’s been great to see the collective commitment to sustainability and innovation, and I’m excited about the future collaborations and initiatives that will emerge from Q-SEED.”

Copperstring 2032, building around 1,100km electricity transmission lines from Townsville to Mt Isa.
For the 2032 Olympics, Townsville will co-host sailing with the Whitsundays and host football at North Queensland Stadium. Supporting upgrades to road infrastructure and investment in grassroots sport, have also been flagged.
Townsville University Hospital is undergoing a significant redevelopment and expansion.
The Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub will be a sustainable battery materials refinery, processing and advanced manufacturing facility. Supporting roads and water infrastructure will also be required.
James Cook University $1.9 billion masterplan.
Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative, constructing training facilities to host up to 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces.
$1.6 billion Townsville Port Expansion Project, including Outer Harbour Development and Channel Upgrade.
Others as per Construction Skills Queensland.

This list is just a small snapshot of the significant incoming infrastructure investment to the Townsville region, with the opportunity for local supply of labour, materials, equipment, logistics, services, housing and community support. Through the Q-SEED program we know that Townsville is home to a broad range of innovative businesses (including First Nations businesses and social enterprises) a diverse workforce, and a trainee candidate pool with the desire to upskill and make a positive contribution.