North Coast Nationals MPs have joined forces to launch a community petition calling on the NSW Government to restore Norco Milk to health facilities across the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts.
The petition was launched by Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson; Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh and Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp at a dairy farm in Lismore
owned by local dairy farmer, Andrew Wilson.
The petition, titled ‘Community Petition to Restore Norco Milk in North Coast Health
Facilities’, emphasises the significant impact of the NSW Government’s decision on local
farmers and communities and urges it to reverse its decision to remove Norco Milk from North Coast health facilities.
The MPs said Norco, a 100% farmer-owned cooperative, has been an iconic local institution, providing high-quality dairy products from the lush green pastures and rolling
hills of Northern NSW.
“We are calling on the Minns Labor Government to listen to our communities instead of making decisions from Sydney that directly impact us,” they said.
“Norco is more than just a brand; it represents the livelihoods of 191 farming families who
rely on this Lismore-based cooperative. The removal of this contract could lead to serious
consequences, including potential job losses and reduced income for these families.”
The petition highlights the long-standing relationship between Norco and health facilities
from Tweed to Port Macquarie, stressing the importance of supporting local businesses
and communities.
The North Coast Nationals MPs are encouraging residents to sign the petition to send a
strong message to the NSW Labor Government about the need to support local dairy
farmers and restore Norco Milk to their local health facilities.
“We need to stand together and make our voices heard,” the MPs said.
“The government’s decision not only affects our local farmers but also undermines the community’s trust in decisions made without local consultation.
“By signing this petition, we can ensure that our local dairy farmers are supported and
that Norco Milk remains in our health facilities where it belongs.”
The petition is now open for signatures and aims to gather significant community support
to bring about a reversal of the decision.
To sign the petition, visit http://savenorcomilk.com.au.
