This followed extensive consultation with dairy farmer members and other dairy groups resulting in the release of ‘frequently asked questions’ addressing matters raised during the consultation period.
QDO CEO Eric Danzi said there were many advantages to be realised by bringing together two like-minded dairy producer organisations operating across state borders.
“The name of the newly established dairy farmer organisation reflects the core values of the direction we intend to take, being ‘eastAUSmilk’ representing our regions in NSW and Queensland with ‘AUS’ highlighting our values in advocacy, unity and service and ‘milk’ as our core produce,” he said.
“Economies of scale will occur by eliminating duplication of activities across the regions and operating under a unified eastAUSmilk banner.
“At a regional level, the benefits will include demonstrating improved leadership and giving effect to the intentions of the original Australian Dairy Plan.”
Dairy Connect CEO Shaughn Morgan said the title eastAUSmilk had been designed to reflect values that dairy farmer members were looking for.
“These include more effective advocacy through a stronger united voice and greater opportunities and efficiencies with a single organisation lobbying on behalf of a greater number of dairy farmers,” he said.
“The new eastAUSmilk brand is based on democratic principles and it will provide strong advocacy, relevant member services, policies based on the needs of dairy farmers, leadership for dairy in NSW and Queensland, and proactive strategies and agile responses.”
Mr Danzi said that together the two states represented milk markets that included more than 13 million Australian consumers or 52 per cent of the population.
“As a single body, we can leverage this to help realise the vision of eastAUSmilk for dairy farmers, and the industry, to grow and thrive,” he said.
“Significant stakeholders such as processors, see our regions as one fresh milk market. People don’t see the border as marking different regions.
“One of our aims is to provide services that attract dairy farmers who are currently disengaged.”
Mr Morgan said Riverina and Far South Coast dairy farmers were an important part of part of the NSW dairy industry and would be so in eastAUSmilk.
“Their interests will continue to be represented by eastAUSmilk and will have direct access to the decision making process via a southern NSW board member of the board,” he said.
The bridging of the two organisations so as to establish eastAUSmilk will provide a strong, proactive and vibrant dairy farmer organisation.
This has been demonstrated by the strong commitment of the current CEOs of Dairy Connect and QDO to establish an industry body on a strong platform for future financial and member growth, ensuring strong advocacy based on positive dairy policies.
Mr Danzi and Mr Morgan will report jointly to the board and will act as co-CEOs with specified responsibilities. Mr Danzi will oversee services and finance while Mr Morgan will have carriage of advocacy and policy.
