The NSW Government has today released the NSW Dairy Industry Action Plan, which sets the foundations for the future growth of the industry.
The Action Plan has been developed by the NSW Fresh Milk & Dairy Advocate Ian Zandstra, who was appointed in September 2019 and has been supported by industry representatives.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the plan would now be handed to industry to lead the implementation with the support of NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
“Ian has done an outstanding job as the Fresh Milk & Dairy Advocate, delivering a clear path forward that has received broad industry support. This plan will ensure the state’s dairy industry remains resilient and profitable for many years to come,” Mr Marshall said.
“The plan makes 28 recommendations, including the need to establish a Dairy Industry Action Plan Implementation Panel, to execute the Action Plan and report on its progress.”
Mr Zandstra said he was pleased to see the final report released after extensive consultation with industry and government.
“The NSW dairy industry is naturally innovative and resilient, so it was encouraging to deliver a report that has a clear, practical way forward that will support the growth of the sector,” Mr Zandstra said.
“There is strong consensus within industry on what changes are needed to ensure we remain competitive so I am excited we are now transitioning to the implementation stage.”
Mr Marshall said the implementation panel would be made up of industry representatives tasked with ensuring all 28 recommendations of the action plan are enacted.
“Today marks an important milestone as we move from planning to implementation. Therefore, to lead industry through this stage, I am calling for expressions of interest to be the Chair of the NSW Dairy Action Plan Implementation Panel,” Mr Marshall said.
“I would like to thank Ian for his work over the last two years and also to assure him the NSW Government will work hand-in-glove with industry to implement the Action Plan.”
