Your levy, your future: Have your say on the proposed levy change

By John Falkenhagen, Goat Industry Council of Australia President

Over recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with goat producers across the country as part of our industry’s levy roadshow.

The resulting conversations with producers have been valuable, honest and, in many cases, encouraging.

What has stood out most is that producers who have taken the time to attend have walked away with a clearer understanding of how the goat industry works, where levy funds are invested and how those investments are supporting our livelihoods.

While the roadshow portion of our levy consultation is over, there is still opportunity to connect and shape the future of our industry.

Online consultation kicked off 20 August with an will be followed by further virtual opportunities to have your voice heard. Make sure to keep an eye out for these.

This is your levy, your voice and your industry’s future.

The goat industry has changed significantly in recent years. It is growing, becoming more structured, and facing increased expectations from markets, regulators and the broader community.

With that growth comes opportunity, but also pressure. If we want the industry to remain competitive, resilient and well represented, we need the right investment behind it.

The proposed levy change is not just an administrative process. It is a decision about whether the goat industry has the resources it needs to support future growth and respond to the issues that matter to producers.

That is why it is so important that producers understand the proposal, ask questions and make an informed decision when the time comes to vote.

We know how busy producers are and not everyone can take the time to travel for an in-person consultation. But your perspectives and contribution are important, not just now, but for the future of our shared industry.

Your contribution can be as little as joining a webinar or simply having a chat with another producer or your local GICA member organisation.

Whatever shape it takes, it reinforces the important conversations we need to have and can be on your own terms.

There will be further opportunities to engage online in the months ahead and I encourage every goat producer to take part where they can.

This is your opportunity to have a say in how your levy is invested and in the future we build for the Australian goat industry.