Co-ops peak body hails NSW Government investing millions for almond plant

28 June 2017

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals today hailed the opening of a $25 million almond shelling plant in the Riverina as a shining example of the importance of co-operatives to regional areas.

“This is evidence of significant economic expansion in the Riverina and a vote of confidence from the NSW Government in our farmers and local businesses,” BCCM CEO Melina Morrison said today.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the NSW Coalition Government and acknowledge their ongoing commitment to co-operatives – the backbone of our regional areas.

“It’s heartening that Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledges the importance of co-operatives and it was fantastic to have her at today’s plant opening.”

Ms Morrison said the 73-year-old Australian co-operative Almondco had been able to access a $24 million loan through a NSW Government co-operative loan scheme.

“These loans have been supported by both sides of politics since 1997, in a rare show of bipartisanship, which we welcome and which underlines the importance of local co-ops and mutuals to NSW and to Australia.”

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