New Guidelines to support sustainable dairy development in NSW now available online
6 Dec 2024
The NSW dairy industry will be better equipped to address the evolving challenges facing the sector following the launch of updated Dairy Development and Environmental Guidelines unveiled by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) today.
The updated guidelines have been developed to support sustainable, efficient, and modern dairy systems, providing dairy farmers and industry stakeholders with the tools needed to navigate the evolving development challenges and opportunities in the sector.
NSW DPIRD Agriculture Program Manager Zita Ritchie said these guidelines have been designed to assist the industry address challenges including climate variability, labour shortages, animal welfare concerns, and changes to market demands.
“These new guidelines are essential for ensuring that the dairy industry remains adaptable and resilient in the face of significant external pressures,” Ms Ritchie said.
"These guidelines are a critical resource for farmers planning new dairy developments or major redevelopments of existing operations.
“They also provide clarity to regulatory authorities and consultants on how to navigate the complexities of modern dairy systems in today’s changing climate.
“The guidelines are the result of extensive industry engagement, with contributions from a range of stakeholders, including farmers, consultants, and advocacy groups.
Key features of the new guidelines include:
- Guidance on modern dairy systems, infrastructure and technologies that are suited to a changing climate.
- Insights into recent updates to the NSW planning and environmental regulatory frameworks.
- Practical advice to help stakeholders maximise sustainability, community outcomes and business viability in dairy development projects.
- A focus on best practices in the planning, implementation, and ongoing operation of dairy developments.
The NSW Dairy Development and Environmental Guidelines (2024) replace the Environmental Management Guidelines for the Dairy Industry originally published in 2008.
Ms Ritchie said the updated guidelines incorporate the latest revisions to NSW’s planning and environmental legislation, as well as emerging best practices in dairy farming.
“By providing clear, actionable advice, the guidelines aim to simplify the process and improve outcomes for farmers and the broader industry,” Ms Ritchie said.
"By helping farmers better understand the regulatory landscape and providing them with the tools and knowledge they need, we can help ensure that dairy development is both sustainable and successful.”
The development of these guidelines was co-funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program, in partnership with Dairy NSW and other industry experts, and is intended to provide clear, up-to-date information on the planning and environmental requirements for dairy development projects.
To view the NSW Dairy Development and Environmental Guidelines, please visit the NSW DPIRD Dairy Webpage here
Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au
