Dairy Industry Action Plan

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:39): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development about the launch of the dairy action plan and the opening of the Amdena dairy farm. Will the minister update the chamber on the recent launch of the dairy action plan and opening of the Amdena dairy plant?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his question. Both the Premier and I were invited by the former member in this place, the Hon. Robert Brokenshire, to formally open his family's recently redeveloped dairy farm, and launch the South Australian Dairyfarmers' Association Dairy Action Plan 2024-2029.

I am delighted to be able to share an update with the chamber about this significant and exciting event held in Mount Compass on Tuesday of last week at the Brokenshire family farm, and I want to congratulate both Robert and his son, Nick, who own and operate the Amdena Jerseys dairy farm. Both the Premier and I had the pleasure of opening the new state-of-the-art E100 rotary aspect. The infrastructure upgrade includes the installation of a state-of-the-art rotary milking system, which will help to boost productivity, improve environmental outcomes, and support the health of their herd.

It was wonderful to see a wide range of stakeholders from across the agricultural industry in attendance, to support the opening and celebrate the achievements in opening this dairy farm. I note the members for Mawson, Finniss and the shadow minister in this place were in attendance to celebrate the day. I think the Hon. Ben Hood and the Hon. Nicola Centofanti were there.

The Hon. B.R. Hood: I was an apology.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: No, not the Hon. Ben Hood. Forgive my memory. There were a number of hardworking members who were there, however. While opening the farm, we had the opportunity to formally launch the Dairy Action Plan 2024-2029, which marks the start of an exciting journey for the dairy industry in South Australia.

Our government is committed to working closely with the dairy industry to help them achieve their future goals and aspirations. The action plan outlines the challenges and opportunities for the dairy sector in South Australia, and it focuses on topics such as biosecurity, animal welfare, workforce, technology adaption and sustainability.

I understand the focus and objectives of the new plan revolve around industry development, growing export markets and promoting the South Australian dairy brand. The action plan lists 10 specific objectives:

grow South Australia production to 700 million litres to meet growing demand;

the continued development of the South Australian product as a premium product;

increased reach into Asia to develop markets for South Australian dairy;

the development of a world-class traceability system using distributed ledgers and blockchain technology;

the creation of an industry centre of excellence;

a strong focus on sustainably dovetailing on Australia's excellent reputation as the best clean green natural supplier of dairy products, while positioning South Australia as being recognised as the best of the best;

demonstrating that South Australia has the highest animal welfare standards;

working with the South Australian government as it outlines its strategic direction for South Australia;

development of career paths, training models and succession plans for the future of the industry; and

promoting the industry as an industry with prospects.

These are significant and serious goals that the dairy industry is seeking to achieve, and I commend SADA and the broader industry for working together and articulating their focus and objectives for the next five years.

Once again, I want to pass on my sincere thanks to Mr Brokenshire, along with the South Australian Dairyfarmers' Association, for the invitation to launch the action plan and look forward to being able to update this place on progress into the future.