The new guidelines were unveiled by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) yesterday.
They 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 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,“ she said.
Developed in consultation with farmers and other stakeholders and consultants, 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 is available from the NSW DPIRD Dairy webpage.
