Derby council locks in three-year cleaning contracts despite higher costs

The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley has awarded new three-year contracts for cleaning services in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing, saying the move will help maintain service standards despite rising costs.

At its June 25 council meeting, councillors unanimously awarded the Fitzroy Crossing contract to Cleaning Gardening and Tree Services, and the Derby contract to the Trustee for Schipper Family Trust, trading as Skippers Cleaning.

Both contracts will run from the 2026-27 financial year through to 2028-29.

Council officers said cleaning services in Fitzroy Crossing had previously been delivered on an ad hoc basis, with periods where facilities were left without regular cleaning, leading to complaints from the community about the condition of shire buildings.

They said the introduction of scheduled cleaning under the previous contract had significantly improved the presentation of public facilities and increased satisfaction among users.

In Derby, the shire said cleaning services had previously been managed through multiple contracts before they were consolidated into a single agreement last year to improve efficiency and accountability.

The new Derby contract covers a range of council-owned facilities, including the civic centre, administration offices, airport, recreation centre, youth centre, swimming pool, library, Wharfinger House Museum and several public toilet facilities.

The Fitzroy Crossing contract includes public toilets, the visitor centre, library, community hall, basketball court change rooms, shire depot and short-stay accommodation.

Council officers acknowledged the contracts would cost more than previous agreements because of higher labour rates, particularly for weekends and public holidays, along with inflation-driven increases in housing, transport and other operating costs.

Despite not being the cheapest bids, both successful tenderers were recommended because of their established local operations, proven ability to deliver consistent services and lower risk of staff shortages or service interruptions.

The council report noted some lower-priced bids came from contractors based outside the Kimberley, raising concerns about their ability to mobilise staff, respond quickly to issues and maintain reliable service delivery.