Minister visits co-operative with growing ambitions

17 April 2015

Yesterday, Barnaby Joyce, Minister for Agriculture and Senator Sean Edwards visited The Barossa Co-op to discuss the co-operative’s redevelopment program, sustainable business practices and the creation of employment for the area. The co-operative has 17,000 members and 300 employees and acts as an incubator for business in the region.

The Barossa Co-op, a BCCM member, is planning to construct a new supermarket in Nuriootpa which is the first stage in a major shopping centre redevelopment. The development will include an expanded ‘market-style’ food hub and an open space village square. During construction, the project will employ over 100 people which is due to begin later this year on top of the aim to create over 200 new jobs for the region.

During the visit, CEO of The Barossa Co-op, Graeme Longmuir remarked, “With the recent Senate Inquiry into the role of Co-ops and Mutuals, it is exciting the Barossa can showcase how a successfully run Co-op can benefit the local community.”

The development is due to be completed by late 2016/early 2017.