Dairy farmers, processors and representative organisations are encouraged to have their say to help shape Australia’s first mandatory dairy code in consultation in Lismore later this month.
Member for Page Kevin Hogan urged local farmers and stakeholders to take part and help improve contracts between farmers and processors.
“We need farmers and processors in our community to have their say and make sure the code will work for them and our local region,” he said.
“The code will aim to make contracts fairer, more transparent and enforce a dispute resolution process.
“We all know how important the dairy industry is to us here in the Northern Rivers and this can be the first step to a better industry.”
The consultation meeting will take place at the Lismore Workers Club on Tuesday November 20 starting at 10.30am.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the dairy industry had come to him and requested a mandatory code of conduct.
“So let’s not waste time – let’s get on with it,” he said.
“Consultations are the first step in the process, and the Department of Agriculture will be in town talking to local people about what should be in the code.
“This isn’t the silver bullet and there’s much more to be done, but it’s a good start.”
More information about the development of the code can be found on the ‘Have Your Say’ website https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/
People can register online, email dairycode@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1300 044 940.
Some of the major projects Kevin Hogan has delivered for our community include:
- $15 million for expansion of Norco’s Ice-cream factory
- $17 million in grants for nine job-creating projects
- More than 300 new Aged Care beds
- New Headspace in Grafton
- Redevelopment of Oakes Oval.
- New Northern Rivers Regional Art Gallery
- Expanded North Coast Regional Hockey Complex
- Maclean Riverside Precinct
- Casino Amphitheatre
- Southern Cross Lads Safe Driving Course
- Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club
- Wollongbar Club House
- Kyogle Aquatic Centre
- Upgrade of Casino Saleyard
- Sealed road to Toonumbar Dam
- Repair of Woodburn to Coraki Road
- Coffs Harbour bypass
- Revitalisation of Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall
- Major upgrade of Culmaran Creek Road
- Upgrade of Harwood Mill and Refinery
- Replacing 20 wooden bridges in Kyogle
- Upgraded Albert Park Baseball Complex
- Upgrade of Casino Hospital Emergency Department
- Six new Trade Training Centres
- Record bulk billing rates
- Record funding for our local schools
- Record health funding
