Major dairy company set to leave Australia, including Stanhope factory

Fonterra, a New Zealand-based dairy company with considerable operations based out of Stanhope, has put its Australian business up for sale.

Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland says the announcement is set to have a significant impact on the Stanhope community, with the company being a major employer and supporter of the local dairy industry.

“This news that Fonterra will be selling its Australian dairy assets is disappointing news for the Stanhope community,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Fonterra has been a significant part of Stanhope as a major employer for the town, as well as working closely with community organisations and local dairy farmers.

“The priority is to now ensure these hundreds of local jobs are protected for the sake of the Stanhope community, and that the capacity of the cheese factory can continue to stimulate the local economy and support farmers in the region.”

More information on the future of the cheese factory in Stanhope, and the result the closure of Fonterra will have on local jobs are set to be announced in the coming months.

Ms Cleeland says she will be reaching out to the Stanhope community to ensure they are suitably supported during the transition.