The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) has lodged a submission to the Federal Government’s Energy Green Paper, urging revision of recommendations that will have negative impact on the growth and competitiveness of Australia’s dairy industry.
To enable the Australian dairy industry to grow, prosper and become more sustainable in future, the Government must act to encourage downward pressure on electricity prices, increase uptake of energy efficient technologies, and improve the reliability of supply.
ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell recommended that the Government adopt policy reforms and investment in infrastructure that consider dairy’s high power needs for milking equipment, milk storage and cooling, and milk processing procedures.
“The ADIC does not support the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs proposed in the Green Paper,” Mr Campbell said. “Such tariffs would distinctly disadvantage consumers in dairy who are unable to alter patterns of energy use to take advantage of cheaper tariffs offered at non-peak times of day.”
The dairy industry acknowledges the Green Paper’s recognition of the limited access regional areas have to reliable and efficient energy supplies. However, the failure to deliver a comprehensive solution to assist dairy regions secure energy supplies without added costs in dairy regions is a significant omission for the Government’s energy policy.
Mr Campbell was disappointed that the Green Paper failed to deliver a viable incentive for dairy farmers and manufacturers to increase their use of energy efficient technologies.
“Dairy has already embraced the use of renewable, efficient technologies on farm and in manufacturing, however this often involves significant capital cost barriers.”
Australian dairy is a $13 billion farm, manufacturing and export industry, directly employing 43,000 Australians and indirectly providing a livelihood for a further 100,000 in related service industries. Dairy’s contribution to the Australian economy and the rural communities it supports is a compelling foundation for Government attention and action.
The actions Government takes in the coming years will be key to ensuring the dairy industry remains competitive, relevant and significant in the global dairy marketplace.
Media Contact:
Shona McPherson, Media Officer
M: 0447 161 919
E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au