Lactalis closure of south Brisbane milk factory

Lactalis Australia today announced the closure of its South Brisbane manufacturing site in July 2026. This decision was expected at some point given the factory is in south Brisbane and there has been a push to remove manufacturing in that precinct leading up to the 2032 Olympics.

All milk from dairy farms in Queensland and far northern NSW will likely be processed at the Nambour Lactalis factory in Queensland. It is expected that Lactalis milk for the mid north coast and hunter in NSW will be processed in Sydney.

“The closure of the Lactalis south Brisbane factory is disappointing, but has been expected for some time” Waylon Barron, vice president of eastAUSmilk said.

“We expect that Lactalis suppliers in Queensland and northern NSW will continue to be looked after during the remainder of their contracts which are most set to expire in July 2027” Mr Barron said.

“We also hope that Lactalis will continue to want our milk beyond July 2027. We expect that competition for milk remains strong beyond July 2027. eastAUSmilk would be very concerned if competition for milk reduces forcing down pricing and forcing some farmers to consider ceasing production.” Mr Barron said.

Waylon Barron

Vice President, eastAUSmilk