Dairy drives towards net-zero

GOLDEN Plains agribusiness Meredith Dairy has received an Agriculture Energy Investment Plan grant from the State Government, to support their net-zero emissions goal.

Home to 10,000 goats, and employing over 130 people, the four-and-a-half-thousand-acre dairy is receiving $250,000 to invest in a biomass energy unit, solar power, and upgrade their cool-room technology.

Meredith Dairy co-owner Sandy Cameron was grateful for the AEIP boost.

“This project allows us to supply 70 per cent of our electricity requirements, and all heating requirements, with renewable energy,” he said.

“Achieving net-zero emissions is something personal. It’s very important to us. If people are fortunate to run a good business can’t get to be carbon neutral, how’s the world going to get carbon neutral?

“We’re trying to make Ballarat a real bioenergy hub.”

This investment in renewables and sustainable technologies is expected to save the farm $94,000 on energy annually; a third of the Dairy’s current energy costs.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited the site last Thursday.

“Energy is a significant cost for many farmers. We are working to put money back in farmers’ pockets by supporting them to improve energy efficiency on-farm, and take action on climate change,” she said.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said Meredith Dairy is an “extraordinary” asset for the Shire, and the Ballarat region, with a strong sustainable outlook.

“Supporting agricultural businesses to invest in energy efficient infrastructure and technology will build resilience within the sector and help farmers to be financially and environmentally viable,” she said.