Queensland Dairy Industry Optimistic Following Launch of Growth-Focused Industry Plan

The Queensland dairy industry has come together with the Queensland Government to develop the Queensland Dairy Plan, a growth-focused plan to support the dairy industry through to 2032.

Key industry players who developed the plan were eastAUSmilk, the Department of Primary Industries, Bega Cheese Limited, Norco Co-operative Limited, Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd, the Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative Limited (DFMC), and Sub-Tropical Dairy.

District meetings saw significant engagement from dairy farmers, who provided wide ranging and insightful suggestions on how to improve our industry.

Almost 100 suggestions were given, and these were refined to five key actions for the dairy industry over next six years:

1.           Improved support for industry entry and exit,

2.           Climate and natural disaster program for dairying,

3.           Identify expanded feed options,

4.           On-farm uptake of new automation and technology, and

5.           Improving the productivity, and management, of pastures.

It is expected, if the measures proposed in the Queensland Dairy Plan are implemented, the industry will grow, meaning more Queenslanders will be able to drink more Queensland milk.

“It is extremely positive to see the dairy industry come together to develop a clear plan of action for the future,” Tim Bale, President of eastAUSmilk said.

“After many challenges for the dairy industry over the past few decades, there is optimism and real potential for growth.” Mr Bale said.

“I am confident that the industry will implement this plan over the next six years and this will result in a growing and vibrant industry that is a cornerstone of Queensland agriculture,” said Mr Bale.

Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett commended eastAUSmilk for showing leadership for their sector and members in developing this plan for growth to 2032.

“This plan provides a direction for the dairy sector to chart a way to continue to build the industry.

“Nationally the entire dairy sector has needed to navigate considerable challenges, but Queensland dairy farmers can have confidence the Crisafulli Government backs them.

“When I became Minister for Primary Industries, I set an ambitious target to grow the value of primary production in Queensland to $30 billion by 2030 and initiatives like this one for the Dairy Industry will help achieve our aspirations.

Media Contacts:

eastAUSmilk

Tim Bale, President eastAUSmilk (0427 535 511)

Nicole Bond, Senior Media Advisor, Minister Perrett (0417 199 369)