Fresh State of Affairs Issue 3

december

*Source: Logistik Journal 2009

03 2010

12 Christmas special MESSAGES

Guess who’s the number one forklift choice in the Australian markets?

It really is no surprise that Toyota Material Handling sells more forklifts than any other company in the Australian Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Markets.

With Australia’s biggest range of forklifts and the commitment to customer service and after-sales

1800 425 438

Market Medicine

www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

S O L U T I O N S

market relocation questions continue

support you’d expect from the market leader*, we guarantee to deliver the best quality material handling solutions all year round, no matter what the season. So give us a call and get a fresh forklift deal today.

F O R

E V E R Y

P A L L E T®

Forklift Facts

Emissions Trading

Q&A with CAMERON PAXTON

03

issue 03

december 2010

president’s message:

what’s on: 4

8

10

Market Relocation: Where does the new Premier Ted Baillieu sit?

What is the solution?

Christmas Produce: Plenty of berries coming in to season over Summer, and interesting facts about them.

Emissions Trading: Emissions Trading Scheme and the NZ Experience (Part 2).

26

29

34

Forklift Facts: Safety issues to be mindful of and information on Forklift fatalities in Victoria.

Sydney Cherry Auction: Charity Cherry Auction’s record breaking result at Sydney Markets.

Vale Dizney Crombie: We pay tribute to the passing of Market Veteran Dizney Crombie.

CONTENTS 2 | What’s on

12 | Christmas special messages

3 | President’s message

25 | Market Medicine

6 | Market relocation

28 | Q&A: Cameron Paxton

Published by:

Fresh State CEO:

John Roach john.roach@freshstate.com.au

Editor / Advertising:

Sonja van Eijk sonjav@freshstate.com.au

Contributors: www.freshstate.com.au

Megan Mcnaught

Design:

Flying Dog Designs www.fddesigns.com.au

Photography:

Wuttke Photography www.wuttke.com.au Casamento Photography www.casamento.com.au

30 | Melbourne Markets

Credit Service (MMCS)

32 | Economic Forecast

Print:

King Print www.kingprint.com.au

Distribution:

Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

From the President Welcome to our third edition of Fresh State of Affairs – the Christmas edition! This edition features Christmas greetings and wishes from members around the markets and a snapshot of all the goodies available for Christmas and the New Year.

We follow up our feature on carbon footprinting with the ins and outs of emissions trading schemes and see how New Zealand is coping. And our guest economist looks the Australian economy – what happened in 2010 and what to expect in 2011.

Do you know how many forklifts there in the Melbourne Markets and in each of the central markets around Australia? The answer is inside along with what ‘Medicines are in the Markets’. And our Q & A guest this edition is Cameron Paxton, the State Manager for Toyota Material Handling.

Thank you all for your phone calls following edition two. It is great to get such a positive response and I would encourage you to put pen to paper with your ‘letters to the editor’ – good or bad!

2010 – The year in review

2011 – The Year Ahead

It was a big year for Fresh State in 2010. We held our first Pit Stop in March to find out how we are doing health wise. The results were not too good but it is pleasing that so many of us have followed up with our own GPs and that we are taking action where needed.

The big ticket item will be Relocation – what will be our cost of doing business at Epping and making sure it is affordable.

The Young Executives presented the Market Hours Review paper to the Minister in May. They did not receive an official reply but we would encourage the new Minister to be decisive and act quickly.

The first Forklift Challenge tested the ‘forkies’ skill in June and it was no time at all before September arrived. We seemed to squash a whole year of activity into the month with firstly, the Blood Bank drive, closely followed by the launch of Fresh State of Affairs Magazine, and the inaugural Gala Ball – what a great night!!

Electioneering for a position on the Fresh State board consumed the rest of the month before the all important polling day arrived. An emphatic endorsement of the present board was delivered by members on the day!

October and November saw us focus on securing members equity in their investments at Footscray Road in preparation for relocation.

We will be making further changes to the Credit Service with a new range of terms and systems to make it easier for users and to complement the move of the Credit Service into the Fresh State office.

Our Young Executives are scoping up a marketing program that will enhance and support the independent Green Grocers with consumers in the first quarter of the year. And we are looking at a program for restaurateurs around mid-year!

Calender wise, we have our second Pit Stop in February; the Australian Chamber Conference together with a Fresh Forum in Newcastle in March; a ‘bigger and more difficult’ Forklift Challenge in May; and June will see the Fresh Connections Conference in Brisbane.

The feature event of the year will be the Gala Ball in September!

On behalf of the Board and management I would like to thank you all for your support through the year and wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!

Shane Schnitzler – President Fresh State Ltd

Disclaimer: Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd. Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any in-

formation published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs. © Fresh State Ltd 2010

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Market Box 113, 542 Footscray Road West Melbourne VIC 3003

OF AFFAIRS

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december 2010

market relocation:

Where does the new Premier Ted Baillieu sit?

What Direction is Industry Taking?

Public vs Private – Why is Government Involved Anyway?

What is the Solution?

Prior to the last Victorian State election in 2006, the then Opposition leader Ted Baillieu categorically stated to a packed crowd at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets that he would not move the markets if he became Premier.

One of the most controversial projects proposed by the Brumby Labor Government, the forced relocation of the markets from its prime site on Footscray Road to distant Epping, has been nothing but a stuff-up. So where does the new Premier sit?

Is there any place for Government in private enterprise industries such as ours – history shows not!

We need a “low cost model” at Epping with future industry being ‘high volume and low cost’ at one end and ‘smaller and specialised’ at the other.

The biggest complaint by merchants on relocation has been the drawn out, frustrating process that has taken place for the last six years. It has held their businesses in limbo with uncertainty, unknown costs and has acted as a major inhibitor to them investing in plant and facilities either at their Footscray Road premise or outside the markets.

A look at industry direction demonstrates why wholesalers have been frustrated by Government direction and inactions with relocation.

What Direction is Industry Taking?

Investment in wholesale facilities is not by accident. It is been driven by the consumers wanting cheaper and better produce – they, consumers, want their dollar to go further than ever before!

The need to take costs out of business has meant that investment in facilities has occurred so as to handle larger volumes of produce more cheaply. It is the same reasoning that led us away from employing lots of storemen to hand load and unload trucks some thirty years ago whereas one forklift operator can now unload a semi trailer in twenty minutes and do it more safely.

The investment has come in the form of cool room and warehouse facilities as industry provides cold chain management from harvest through to consumers.

Wholesalers have been installing cool room facilities in their stores at the markets for the past twenty years to manage their produce. Larger investments in warehousing and equipment have occurred in the last ten years.

This has been concurrent with the vertical integration taking place in industry.

The wholesale sector has been buying up and/or joint venturing production to both ensure supply and to meet their marketing requirements. As well, wholesalers have been buying into the retail sector to complete the integration loop. We are now seeing more specialisation of products, more

competing varieties in most categories and more competition based on pricing than ever before.

The result is that we need a “low cost model” at Epping with future industry being ‘high volume and low cost’ at one end and ‘smaller and specialised’ at the other.

Public vs Private – Why is Government Involved Anyway?

All central markets in Australia were established by Government to ‘facilitate for the orderly trade of fresh produce’ which was seen as an essential industry to the growing cities around Australia at the time.

It was about ensuring producers had a ‘place of trading’ for fresh produce to reach consumers and came under the jurisdiction of the then powerful departments of agriculture. This model has disappeared in most states with only Melbourne and Perth markets still being run by a Government authority.

Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane are privatised and are successful with Perth looking at privatising at the moment. The State Governments covering these markets viewed that they had no role in this sort of ‘marketing / facilitation.’

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december 2010

market relocation:

Sydney Markets: In 1997, the NSW Government basically gave the management company for

Perth Moved to its present site in 1989 and has been negotiating with wholesalers on privatisation for the past twelve months.

Melbourne The site is operated by the Melbourne Market Authority (MMA) on behalf of the

It is no small wonder that the Melbourne Wholesale Markets have stagnated for the last six years as Government has vacillated on relocation while elsewhere markets in Australia are powering ahead. Both Brisbane and Sydney have been investigating Melbourne as they look to expand their market share and with good reason. Their privatised models are working and they view Melbourne like kids in a lolly shop!

Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane are privatised and are successful with Perth looking at privatising at the moment. The State Governments covering these markets viewed that they had no role in this sort of ‘marketing / facilitation.’

Sydney Markets to industry along with approximately $3m in working capital. The transaction included an extended component which resulted in Sydney Markets Ltd (SML) purchasing the land and facilities over a longer period. SML is owned by the wholesalers of the Sydney markets.

Brisbane The QLD Government sold the Brisbane Markets to wholesalers in 2004. Brisbane Markets Ltd (BML) is owned 30% by Brismark (Fresh State’s equivalent), 50% by wholesalers in the Brisbane Markets and 20% by outside investors. BML have been making significant improvements to the site over the last five years to better service its tenants – the owners of the market.

Newcastle This is a privatised market, owned and operated by a consortium of seven wholesal-

Victorian State Government. Initial discussions with Government on relocation involved an industry operating / ownership model (privatisation) but this is uncertain country at the moment.

For example, earlier this year the Victorian Government announced that the MMA would deliver the new market at Epping and be the operator. Government talks about industry having the ‘opportunity to operate and the opportunity to own’ the new markets but this appears to be at odds with their actions.

Key points on Privatisation for Melbourne The factual point is that as Government is delivering relocation then they bear the risks in relation to costs. But industry does not want an expensive, stuffed up model

What is the Solution?

The smart solution is that the Government has carriage of relocation to Epping, bears the cost risks and operates on “day 1”. On “day 2”, we take over the operating company with an agreement to lease the site and facilities (Head Lease) from Government and consider purchasing the land and facilities further down the track.

This raises the broader question of whether there is any place for Government in private enterprise industries such as ours – history shows not!

Over to the new Premier!

S

ISSUE

Equity

n

Sydney Fish Markets (SFM): This was sold to a consortium of industry participants in 1994 very cheaply! Its ownership is by way of the two shares in SFM being owned, one each, by the NSW Fishermans’ Trust and the Tenants and Merchants of SFM. The NSW Government leased the site to SFM on a 50 year lease.

Adelaide This was the first privatised market in Australia when it opened at the present site in Pooraka in 1988. It is owned by a consortium of wholesalers, growers and retailers with investment in and around the facilities since that time.

RS

ANSWE

especially for the first 5 to 8 years at Epping as this would be at odds with industry direction (above). And we certainly do not want to be left in the insidious position of wanting privatisation but not having the ability to meet obligations (high costs, unprofitable model).

tio a c o l Re

The NSW Government made the decision in the 1990s to remove itself from ‘marketing’ in a number of areas including seafood and fresh produce as well as deregulating the dairy industry.

ers. They employ a management company in Newcastle Markets P/L to manage the market on their behalf.

ard C e r Sco

Sydney

h or Fres mber f e e v o N 5 g, valu d on 2 l arrive time of writin included. a s o p o t the e not nal pr S ation. A tes wer tate’s fi QUESTION wers to 4 The tSe Board considaenrd warehouse ra se as s a g as clo sested an transfer: St res for stores in e p u p q E e r t a ity ard figu space a sition: ent A le The Bo stions on equ 2010. llocated d all 50 curr ted space ent Po a e m e r u n b e r q l b e il n a w a Gov main ovem be alloc holder olding ad. e 11 N ch lease their current h seholders will Footscray Ro a e the

E iv Deadlin . e c 1 l e a t r e a le o d o t s t o B e le t e o m iz t t e s re re s possib nd 67 curren h Sta ation rnal sto than on and B te 1. Fres nments’ alloc s what at e a r in s o r g e m n s hold eir existi ns of A Gover els (who get tly hold ed on th holder curren or combinatio d and no s o a e b m k li r r o / fo a lease ’ or ‘B’ stores ded together. ). “Like g new here ad Epping s.” e ‘A 2. W erminin r n t e e o e d m b r in e t p (two o e areas hav accoun trade u th en into k a t he curt stores) o ace in t and a ce is n r stores. p a s p l s a n d r tan n fo eir inte 3. S ognised llocatio from th es will be rec s in space. e c n space a e r c ren diffe rease ere is a the space diffe ases and dec h t f I

.

4 rket, h incre rent ma pplies to bot ick on a n first p ion la e iv g e formu t sition: ts will b t reduc ent Po cumben g, and a ren m in n r g e in v s in p ou Go g at Ep t wareh e the C urren of warehousin will apply. iv . e c 1 e r to alposition ecified period house h State 2. Fres nments’ ware if there is sp over a Gover model, and g in Epp n locatio rehousing at explaa n w a e r n mo , the ly t n e ent r r m than cu how Govern rent seeking f r o holders ompany u c e : s n a io le it nation o deal with ll a os nd c t uity. ment P letter to lder space a pace’. n a r e d v intends se tenants eq n o e o s G u A will s t leaseh ffer for t to nd wareho he MM tion of curren wed be an ‘o mitmen om 1. T ollow a m f o l c il f w a o r o f ll s m n o s r m f r e fi io s e o n it lea co lb ef ore pos The wil 3. Som r our current o that ecific st ase. etails. p s s d g f o in p transfe n p n t for Le llocatio ay to E y in pla . t he a an Agreemen Footscr have certaint luding 2 c rs include membe businesses, in t Foote was ir a Packag ing. e s : e n c n io a t it ning th selling lease in s sis nure. ent Po or stry As m rema vernm buying ity of te he Indu ximately $19 for stores r o t u f G c o e s t n d ou pro nts scray an he am illion with ap ace adjustme e IAP (In 1. T h t p m s f 2 o . o t t .

4 r n $3 oun ) and cognitio is is prio $$$ am nce Package nt ote: Th ouse lease re N a e 4. The r t r is u s c s A o reh dustr y tion will go t and wa or p t a h w n lders.

No Actio leaseho n l be?

No Actio you wil ?

Where ay n u will p No Actio ation uch yo plex. m m o Alloc w c o t H rke the ma n joining d No Actio a d Rents n a L ousing for all? areh W ne rule o it Is t orklif F

Access

OF AFFAIRS

issue 03

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december 2010

christmas produce:

christmas produce:

Christmas Goodies from the Market In season: Cherries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Boysenberries, Gooseberries, Red Currants. Grapes, Lychees, Rockmelons, Honeydew and Watermelon to name a few …

Cherries There was a delay to the start of the season with only light consignments available up to early December. Supplies have been mainly from Renmark (SA), Cobram/Shepparton (VIC) and Griffith (NSW). Some fruit was rain affected and quality has been mixed which has been reflected in the very wide selling price range.

tion through Christmas. Production in the Yarra Valley should kick in by early January which should ensure good availability throughout summer.

Did you know?

Australians consume 1200 tonnes of blueberries annually.

Raspberries

Supply should increase during December and prices will adjust as more quantity is available on the market and quality improves. Under normal conditions we anticipate the market will be well supplied leading into Christmas and New Year with consignments from Tasmania becoming available in early January and maintaining through Chinese New Year. The season normally runs out late February / March.

Raspberries have been in limited supply from Coffs Harbour and with consignments now available from local areas such as the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula, quantities are building and prices should start to moderate. It is anticipated that good supplies will be available for Christmas and throughout the current local season which should continue through summer.

Did you know?

• The heaviest recorded cherry was 21.69g in Italy in 2003.

• Cherries have only 224 kilojoules (54 calories) per 100 grams and virtually no fat.

• Australians consumed around 11,000 tonnes last year.

• Approximately 40 % are produced in NSW and 30 % in Victoria. Tasmania produces around 15 % of the crop with a good portion of this being exported, mostly to Japan.

Strawberries

Blueberries Blueberries are now at season’s end from Coffs Harbour (NSW) but supplies are now becoming available from the Bright District (NE VIC) with NZ imports expected from early December to support local produc-

The strawberry market is currently well supplied from the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula growing areas. Weather will always be a major factor in determining the supply but under normal conditions we are expecting a good level of supply again for Christmas at very affordable prices. Supply should continue through the summer months.

Did you know?

• Strawberries are produced all around Australia with QLD and WA producing approximately

50% of total production through winter and spring and Victoria producing about 33% of the crop from late spring through to the end of autumn.

• Total Australian production is around 60,000 tonnes from over 70 million plants and approximately 650 producers.

Blackberries, Boysenberries, Gooseberries These should all become available in early December with a constant supply continuing throughout summer.

Red Currants Normally red currants have a very limited availability of supply and fortunately this falls across the three to four weeks over the Christmas period.

Grapes Red & White seedless grapes from Emerald (QLD) have started and will soon be followed by consignments from the Mundaberra (QLD) area. Through November and early December supplies have

been light with prices higher than usual.

Due to growing conditions, supply is expected to be only moderate this season but quality will be excellent! Some black seedless varieties are also expected to appear on the market by early December with good supplies of most varieties available over Christmas / New Year.

Did you know?

• The consumption of grapes dates back as far as 5000BC. Grapes were brought to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788 by Captain Arthur Phillip.

• The Australian table grape industry produces about 120,000 tonnes annually with about 55% being consumed domestically.

Lychees Very light supplies arrived from the Mareeba area (FNQ) over November with prices being high but will ease as more supplies become available from early December. There should be good availability leading up to Christmas / New Year and this should continue during the summer months.

Rockmelons The market is currently being supplied from Bundaberg and South West QLD. Quantities increased as the Mildura area started in late November and prices adjusted accordingly. Increased supply should hold over the summer including through the Chinese New Year period in late February.

Fact or Fiction?

Women do not buy rockmelons bigger than their “cup size”?

be available to cater for the anticipated increased demand during the warmer summer months and prices could possibly moderate. The season normally winds down in late autumn.

Did you know?

• Cantaloupe is the American name for rockmelon!

• 92% of a Watermelon is water.

• Melons are a good source of vitamin C and potassium and are relatively low in kilojoules, being fat and cholesterol free.

• Melons are very popular with Asian and Chinese cultures and are normally consumed as an after dinner ‘sweetener’.

Honeydew Honeydews have been in very short supply and the situation will not improve until production from the Victorian and SA Riverland area starts in January.

Watermelon A moderate supply of watermelons has been arriving from the Northern Territory and Far North QLD with prices remaining stable. This will change when new season melons start in Bundaberg and South West QLD and with the SA Riverland and Central NSW growing areas starting production in mid December. Good supplies should

Chinese New Year: Year of the Rabbit 28 January to 13 February 2011 The year of Rabbit covers people born in 1927, 39, 51, 63, 75, 87, 99, and 2011.

carbon footprinting:

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issue 03

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2 T

The New Zealand ETS in a Nutshell The New Zealand ETS is a market based system which aims to create a financial driver to reduce emissions by imposing a cost on carbon for all sectors and gases, above a set limit or cap.

Participants are required to measure their emissions and hold a number of permits (or carbon credits) equivalent to their emissions and “pay” those permits to the Government each year. Participants who need to increase their emissions must buy permits from those who require fewer permits, or make direct payments.

All Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s) will be included and all sectors of the economy will be covered by 2015.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, the “developed” countries undertook to stabilise their emissions of Greenhouse gases at levels that would prevent dangerous interference with the earth’s climate.

What has happened in NZ? The NZ ETS became law in December 2009. From 1st July 2010 New Zealand has started to implement the ETS across the sectors as shown in the table below.

The scheme as it currently stands is unique for its inclusiveness of all sectors and all

2007

2008 Jan 2008 Forestry

Emissions Trading Scheme and the NZ Experience

New Zealand and Australia have taken different approaches to meeting their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. While New Zealand (NZ) has forged ahead with an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Australia has stepped back from the implementation of emissions reduction measures. Hence there is interest in what is happening in New Zealand and what the lessons may be for Australia.

CA

RB TR AND PRI ON AD E NT FO IN MI ING OT G SS SC IO HE NS M ES

R A P

2009

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december 2010

Emissions in 2008 and Kyoto targets for New Zealand and Australia in million tonne CO2e (MT CO2e) Year / Target

New Zealand Total emissions

2008

Australia

Total emissions minus the effect of forestry and land use change*

75

Total emissions minus Total the effect of forestry emissions and land use change*

48

Kyoto Protocol annual target

550

618

62

591

* This takes account of both the effect of forests acting as a sink and also the release of carbon when land use change occurs, e.g. deforestation. gases as no other scheme has included agriculture. The Government has the ability to allocate sectors “free” permits to emit and free units have, or will be, provided to the following sectors, for example:

tion is of 1 unit per 2 tonnes CO2e until 31 December 2012 (i.e. an effective price for carbon of $NZ 12.50/tonne).

• U p to 90% allocation to energy intensive, trade exposed activities that meet thresholds.

The jury is well and truly out on this. The ultimate test for NZ will be whether it reduces its emissions to the Kyoto target (i.e. 1990 levels). The ETS as implemented is predicted to deliver a 19 million tonne reduction in emissions over the next three years.1

• A n uncapped allocation to agriculture when it enters in 2015.

These permits must be surrendered to the Government, but this is over a lengthy phase out period at 1.3% per annum from 2013. In addition, the price of carbon is fixed initially at $NZ25/tonne CO2e until 31 December 2012 and the surrender obliga-

2010 Jul 2010 Liquid Fossil Fuels Stationary Energy Industrial Processes

2011

2012

Will a market model work in reducing emissions?

New Zealand’s current position is that it is in credit, i.e. net emissions is below its Kyoto target. This is because of extensive forests acting as a sink for emissions. However, there is considerable annual variability

2013

2014

2015

Jan 2013

Jan 2015

Waste & Synthetic Gases

Agriculture

Under the Kyoto Protocol, the “developed” countries undertook to stabilise their emissions of Greenhouse gases at levels that would prevent dangerous interference with the earth’s climate. and risk around the emission estimates for forests and relying on forestation is only deferring the issue since when the forests are cut down there will be a comparable liability to be met by a future generation.

New Zealand has, to some degree, embarked on a “world first” in an area with a great deal of risk for the economy. The benefits of the scheme are unclear as are the costs. Ultimately what is needed is behaviour change e.g. consumers move to goods with lower embodied emissions and efficient modes of transport. Other countries have pursued other mechanisms which are often a mix of regulation e.g. lower exhaust emissions in cars and stricter building regulations, and taxation.

of emissions to be legislated for. Different profiles require different actions.

Australia has the opportunity to observe a number of schemes underway internationally and to identify one appropriate to its circumstances, and that will drive effective behaviour change. However, the devil is always in the detail and good analysis is required. If you are going to design and implement a market mechanism, it is important that you do it well.

What does this mean for the fresh produce supply chain?

Australia has a different emissions profile and greater reduction commitment compared to New Zealand. Forestation does not provide the opportunity for shorter term credits that it does in New Zealand.

If, and it’s a “big if”, Australia were to implement an ETS in a form similar to New Zealand, there may be a moderate impact on costs for the produce sector. This would be largely from direct input costs, such as electricity and diesel increases and the price increase flow on through other inputs such as fertilisers. For wholesalers and the supply chain, increased costs of transportation and packaging as well as things like increases in electricity will be the main impacts. However, an unknown factor is how major retailers will address their increased costs and how these will either be passed on to consumers or back through the supply chain – again, devil in the detail!

Conversely, agriculture at about 16% for Australia, compared to 47% for New Zealand does not provide a significant source

www.catalystnz.com

Any lessons for Australia – what are the politicians arguing about?

While there were price increases where providers e.g. power companies sought to recover the costs of their emission units, very few people noticed anything different, the lights didn’t go out and life carried on as before.

Want to Know More?

CATALYST® R&D Ltd advises businesses on how to deliver competitive advantage through sustainable innovation. We have been undertaking carbon footprinting projects for five years and have specialist knowledge of the produce sector. CATALYST® R&D was established in 2000 and has offices in New Zealand and Sydney.

Article References: 1. NZ Emissions Trading Scheme fact sheet.

Malcolm Garnham and Gerard McEvilly, CATALYST R&D Ltd

New Zealand’s current position is that it is in credit, i.e. net emissions is below its Kyoto target … Australia has the opportunity to observe a number of schemes underway internationally and to identify one appropriate to its circumstances, and that will drive effective behaviour change.

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Christm as Special

13

Season’s Greetings

from Louis Melbourne

M

y r r e

C

tm s i r h

m o r f as

Merry Christmas to all from Regal Produce (Tony, Mario, Adrian and John)

B Fruit V t a am e t e th

To our valued customers we thank you for your business throughout the year.

We wish the Melbourne Markets Community a very safe and happy festive season.

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merr y christmas

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Christm as Special

15 15

SeaS n’s Greetings All the best for the festive season from BRP.

Season’s Greetings

from us all at Flowerdale Sprout Farm.

From all our team at Barkers we thank the Melbourne Market Community for your custom over 2010 and wish you a prosperous new year.

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celebrating

Christmas

Christm as Special

s ’ n o s Sea Greetings

Wishing the Melbourne Market Community a happy festive season and prosperous new year from Dean, Frank and Phil at Sculli & Co.

erry Ch M ristmas to all our clients

a very happy festive season and prosperous new year.

i t e e r G s ’ Season

e t i r o v a l F ngs from

Veli Velisha Fresh Produce

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melon

potato

garlic

onion

pumpkin

ginger

Vince Brancantisano 0419 582 039

Mark Brancantisano 0418 338 757

Dom Brancantisano 0417598733

Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E:admins@prestigeproduce.com.au

Christm as Special

ting e e r g n’s Seaso

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from the Kapiris Family.

John, Rocky and all the boys would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

LATORRES

s

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Christm as Special

   The Management & Staff of Fruit Avenue Australia extend to you and your family our best wishes for a

Season’s Greetings to the Melbourne Market Community from AVANTI Fresh

      

WE LOOK FORWARD TO BEING OF SERVICE TO YOU IN 2011 FRUIT AVENUE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Store 103-105A, Melbourne Markets Contacts:

Thomas Lamanna Patrick Lamanna Pat DiBiase

0418 391 160 0418 255 255 0418 255 414

Accounts & Admin Accounts Fax No.

03-9846 4664 03-9846 2202

Orders Only Fax No.

03-9846 5615

Email: admin@fruitavenue.com.au

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Christm as Special

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Merryas!

Christm p nd Phili

Wishing our customers a happy and safe festive season.

ick a From N le Arcade. at A p p

Merr y Christmas and a happy new year from Gramco.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and

s ’ n o s Seaeetings Gr

prosperous new year.

ty for your arkets! i n u m m o C t e rne Mark ee you in 2011 at the M u o b l e M e h t o Thank yoiunut ed suppor t in 2010 – s cont

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market medicine:

Market Medicine What’s the greatest tragedy? The person permanently disabled through some accident that was of no fault of their own or the person permanently disabled from eating too much of the wrong foods? There is no right answer but one is preventable.

The saying “Food is medicine” might more accurately be reworded to “fresh food is medicine” because while vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients loaded with beneficial health properties, we eat so many other ‘so called foods’ that have the opposite effect.

Within the fresh produce markets lay potent medicines that can help to reduce weight, prevent cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease, regulate high blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system and much more. Their potency lies within the cellular walls of brightly coloured, vibrant (and delicious) fresh fruit and vegetables that you should eat regularly – 5 serves of veggies, 2 of fruit – every day forever!

Did you know?

Diabetes affects about 3 million

Fresh State Directors and staff wish the members, our corporate partners and the extended market community a safe and happy holiday season.

people in Australia and up to 60% of cases can be prevented through diet and exercise.

Around 47% of Australians are overweight and one third of them obese.

Overweight and obese Australians have admitted they are too lazy, time poor or are hampered by an existing condition or illness when it comes to making significant changes in their lifestyle to become healthy.

You may be surprised to know that at least 1 in 3 cancer cases are preventable. More than 13,000 cancer deaths each year are due to smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, inadequate exercise or being overweight.

Excluding genetics and tragic accidents, good health and weight management boils down to three simple factors: Exercise Your body was designed to move and you should move it. If your work is sedentary make sure you get up and expend some of your own energy. If nothing else, take a walk each day for about 30 – 40 minutes.

Energy in vs. energy out This is a simple equation. Eat as much as you need in calories (Kj) as your body expends in energy. If you eat more, you will gain weight, if you eat less, you lose it.

Nutrient dense foods Like any other complex machine your body has specific requirements. Beyond fat, protein and carbohydrate, the macronutrients required for energy, cellular structure and growth, the body needs large amounts of small nutrients known as micronutrients. Vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, fibre, are all found within quality micronutrients and it’s these that really determine your ultimate ongoing state of health.

Medicines from the Markets – What helps What?

Ginger: A good aid for poor circulation and promoting the flow of nutrients around the body especially in osteoarthritis.

Tomatoes: Contain Lycopene an antioxidant that keeps the prostate healthy.

Raw spinach: A good source of lutein required for healthy eyes.

Broccoli: Great for removing excess oestrogen in the body such as in female reproductive conditions like endometriosis and premenstrual tension.

Garlic: Important for a strong, healthy heart.

Sweet potatoes and carrots: A great source of beta-carotene, which is required to build healthy immune systems.

Some simple rules with fruit and vegetables: A minimum of 5 serves of veggies, 2 of fruit – every day forever.

Mix colours to ensure a spectrum of varieties and vitamins & minerals.

Consume relatively soon after buying to prevent nutritional deterioration.

Ensure you wash fruit and vegetables before consumption.

When cooking vegetables, steam them to conserve their nutrition.

Apples: Contain pectin, a type of fibre for maintaining a healthy and clean gastrointestinal tract.

Avocados: Most beneficial nutrient fruit for B group vitamins and are cholesterol free.

Cucumbers and watermelon: Comprised of almost all water therefore are great for helping you re hydrate during the warmer months.

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries: A wonderful source of proanthocyanidins which help protect from free radicals and ageing.

Celery: A great source of minerals and for getting rid of fluid retention and metabolic wastes from the body.

By Judy Davie The Food Coach www.thefoodcoach.com.au

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Gas Bottles: AFL (automatic fill limiter) bottles must be aligned properly or they will not fill fully.

Rocking rear mounted Gas bottles whilst filling with gas is a dangerous practice & maybe fixed by checking the alignment of the gas bottle.

These are gas bottles not jet engines!

Speed limiters are an MMA requirement for every ones safety.

They also help limit engine wear & reduce running costs.

Wiring: Old or damaged wiring can cause fires as witnessed recently when a forklift was burnt out and the gas bottle exploded..

Do you know how many forklifts were in the main Fruit & Veg Markets around Australia in August 2010? 2794 Nationally.

(Melbourne 866, Sydney 800, Newcastle 30, Brisbane 478, Adelaide 300, Perth 320).

It is believed that the Melbourne Markets has the largest quantity of forklifts on a single site in the Southern Hemisphere – 866.

Forklifts have come a long way since their initial debut in the late 1800’s. Clark Transmission Manufacturing Company is credited with developing a forklift which was able to move its own heavy automobile parts.

Forklifts Go Green: Hybrids could be as much as a decade off before they are cost effective for market operations. The Toyota Hybrid prototype was released 3 years ago however it is yet to become cost effective enough to see it through to mass production unlike the Hybrid Prius & Camry.

Back in 1917, the forerunner of the seated counterbalanced truck was called the “truck tractor”.

Toyota contributed the first electric forklift in 1974.

Simple things to look for: Brakes: Don’t take brakes for granted – if they don’t work, don’t use the forklift.

Tyres: Like the cars we drive, worn tyres are dangerous.

String & Plastic:

Worn & damaged tyres can cause a rough ride resulting in damaged or dropped loads, or Safety issues like loss of traction, reduced braking, steering wobble & misalignment issues, and king-pin damage.

When caught around the wheels it can lead to brake-fade, low performance braking & costly brake repairs & it can damage axle seals. It causes costly damage & repairs so avoid driving over it & remove daily.

Seats: Damaged seats can cause accidents as well as being uncomfortable for the operator..

Fluid leaks: Leaks are a sign that something is wrong – oil from motor, transmission, hydraulic system, or radiator coolant. Stop use & seek repairs.

Registration: Forklifts require the same rules for driving as cars on the road.

l a t a F t f i Forkl nts in Accidea Victori ies involving

ed fatalit 56 report ucks in Victoria forklift tr Jan 2006 0 3 o t 5 8 9 01 Jan 1 orkSafe Victoria) s (1) (source: W haust fume

x rcome by e e v o r to (8) ra e Op s or load rm a rk fo , rklift Fell from fo Forklift license: You need one to ted by unexpec (7) d e drive a forklift on the market site. h s ru c r Operato

ft li rk of fo Tyre facts: Some tyres need to movement warm up approx 10–15 min before lift (10) shed by fork ru c r to they perform properly. This is due to ra e p O

r rollove multiple compounds used within the in tip over/ tyre that provide for both cushioning (7) crushed by & extended life.

Pedestrian g forklift n (7) Fuel types: We all know about petrol, manoeuvri ing forklift ll e v a tr y b diesel, LPG, electric, but new gas/petrol struck 6) Pedestrian forklifts can be converted to use CNG g loads (1 in ll fa y b d e (Compressed Natural Gas). (We are lookcrush Pedestrian ing at this for the new market).

forklift facts:

Forklifts:

Cameron Paxton

Q & A:

OF AFFAIRS

Works: Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) General Manager Southern Region based at Dandenong with a service facility at the Melbourne Market.

The quality I respect most in an employee is:

issue 03

& The thing I dislike the most is:

The will to win, even when things are tough and not going your way, I love tenacity and the spirit never, ever to give up.

I am one of those annoying people that likes everything about their job. If I had to say one thing, it would be travelling and being away from my wife and family.

Lives:

As I have grown older I have learnt:

One thing that irritates me in life is:

In Warranwood with my beautiful wife Jen and children, Brigitte, 15, Lochie, 11 and Kieran, 8.

That it was better being younger.

Negative people. Life’s too short, have a crack and focus on the good things rather than dwelling on the bad stuff.

Most of my day is spent: In meetings - with customers or our people. There is a lot of day-to-day problem solving and planning for the future. My responsibilities include making sure that we are meeting our commitments to our customers and our shareholders. I also travel interstate regularly as I manage our operations in Adelaide and Perth.

The experience that led me to this position: It will be 14 years in January. I started off in sales and have been fortunate enough to progress through the ranks during my time here. I originally worked for Prolift Toyota and we were purchased by TMHA in late 2005.

The football team I barrack for is: Essendon.

My favourite Melbourne Market moment is: The inaugural Fresh State Ball. It was terrific to recognise some of the people who had contributed of the market for many years.

I’d have to say the Forklift Driver competition held this year was also a highlight and it was impressive to witness the calibre of drivers we have operating at the Markets.

If I described my business to a stranger I would say: We sell, rent and service forklifts.

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are: Its history and the longevity of the people associated with the markets. The Markets really are a sub-culture and an institution in Melbourne’s rich history.

The pets I have are: Jack the West Highland Terrier and Mieka the Cavoodle.

In my spare time I enjoy: Ferrying the kids around to their numerous sporting commitments and getting away in our RV or camper trailer as often as possible.

My first job was: Apprentice landscape gardener. I lasted a couple of years but I decided manual labour and apprentice wages were not my go.

My fondest memory is….

Marrying my beautiful wife Jen.

The aspect of my job I like the most is: The friendships that have evolved over the years with our people and our customers. We are fortunate to have both longstanding customers and team members, which really lends itself to forging lasting friendships.

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I am passionate about: Winning – in everything I do.

My business associates would say that I: Hate losing and must win!

When I was a child I wanted to: Play cricket for Australia or an AFL footballer.

The place in the world I would most like to go is: Galapagos Islands.

The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is: I went to school with Sonja van Eijk’s sister.

My favourite fruit or vegetable is: Has to be potato. It is the most versatile vegetable in the world – you can mash it, bake it, roast it, boil it, fry it or make it into a salad, you can even turn it into alcohol!

A meal isn’t a meal without a potato!

Charity Cherry Auction’s record breaking result at Sydney Markets The annual NSW Chamber’s Charity Cherry Auction raised an amazing $110,000 with the auction of the season’s first box of cherries.

Held on 21 October in front of an enthusiastic crowd of celebrities, sporting personalities and local politicians, this year’s auction smashed all records.

The annual Charity Cherry Auction run by the NSW Chamber and held at the Sydney Markets commenced 31 years ago when the winning bid was $65. Together with this year’s record breaking auction price, the total amount raised for local Sydney charities through this time is over $1 million.

This year’s outstanding result was due to the efforts of the “Sydney Markets Cherry Knights”, a group of 102 individuals and businesses associated with Sydney Markets. They all contributed to buy the

something special in his name’; said organizer, Lui Cicco.

In an emotional interview after the auction Sam’s widow, Wendy, acknowledged the gesture. ‘Sam loved the Markets and the people; he would be so humbled, by the generosity of his colleagues shown here today’; said Wendy.

Funds raised at this year’s Auction are being channeled through Variety, the children’s charity, to provide

This year’s outstanding result was due to the efforts of the “Sydney Markets Cherry Knights,” a group of 102 individuals and businesses associated with Sydney Markets. first box of cherries in memory of Sam Agostino. Sam was a highly regarded independent Sydney greengrocer who was very well known for his support of charitable causes. Sam passed away in July this year.

two bronchoscopy machines for the Children’s Hospital and the Save our Sons charity to enable research into Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative muscular disease affecting young people with a 100 percent mortality rate.

Mr Agostino bought the first box of cherries at the annual auction on four occasions from 2003 to 2007 and was known around the Markets as the Cherry King.

The winning box of cherries came from Hillston NSW, a cherry growing area 500km west of Sydney.

‘We didn’t want anyone else wearing the crown or sitting on the throne this year. Sam did so much for charity here at the Sydney Markets. We wanted to do

Funds raised at this year’s Auction are being channeled through Variety, the children’s charity.

a day in the life of retail:

q a

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testimonials

Chris Brancatisano: V Brancatisano & Sons Dealing with the same customers year after year is an aspect of the job Chris Brancatisano enjoys most.

“Family values are pretty important to us.”

Chris and his brother Vince work alongside their father Joe, who took the business over from his father in 1975.

It is adorned with black and white. Chris said all family members are as committed to Collingwood as each other.

Chris practically grew up at the market starting with packing fruit during his school holidays at 12-years-old.

He began working full-time in 1995 and although his role holds a lot more responsibility these days, not much else about the business has changed.

With three members of the family working at V Brancatisano & Sons there is always a familiar face on hand to greet customers with a joke when they walk into the store.

“We haven’t really made any huge changes to our business and we don’t plan to. I think customers like the fact that they know exactly who they are dealing with when they come into the store,” Chris said.

A quick glance around the West Melbourne store gives away their other passion.

“Passionate is probably an understatement, needless to say, we have had a fantastic year,” he said.

Chris lives at Highett with his wife Marian and son Cooper, who is almost two – still a bit too young to be packing shelves.

He said membership of the MMCS allowed them to focus their energies on running the business, instead of worrying about chasing up bills.

“We have plenty to do, so knowing that the money is coming in when it should gives us peace of mind to run our business,” he said.

Phillip Patamara: Altona Fresh Produce It is just one of the many personal touches at the store.

The business is run by Phillip Patamara, brother Enzo, sister Sandra Said and her husband John Farfalla, who have made the store as homely as possible.

They took the business over from father Norman in 1990 and expanded from a fruit and vegetable business, to also include a deli and groceries.

These days it is broken into three distinct sections, with Phillip taking care of the fruit and vegetables, Enzo taking care of the groceries and Sandra and John running the deli.

Anyone who walks into Altona Fresh Produce is immediately greeted by Frank Sinatra or another favourite Italian-style musician playing over the sound system.

Phillip said they were constantly coming up with new ideas that ensured people chose them over the big supermarkets.

“The business is constantly growing and evolving. Each section has grown and changed a lot over the years.’’

He said benefit of being a family business is that they can call on each other to help out when needed.

“There is a family-run aura about the place and I think the customers appreciate that,’’ Phillip said.

They regularly conduct coffee tastings, cheese tastings and have a range of gourmet products available to taste on the weekends – an added bonus of the job, Phillip said.

Phillip lives in Seaholme with his wife Carmel and sons Julian, 22, and Damian, 19, and when he is not at work he dedicates his time to catching up with them.

He said membership of the MMCS takes the guesswork out of doing business.

“You always know exactly where you are at,’’ he said.

The Credit Service is Changing!

The Credit Service started in the Melbourne Markets in 1992. A key driver for its establishment was the banana wholesalers with many other wholesalers coming on board to support the start-up and development phase of the Credit Service prior to implementation.

Usage through the Credit Service has remained stable from the mid 1990s to today. By this we mean that the number of ‘entries’ that the Credit Service undertakes has not varied a great deal. However, the ‘value’ of throughput does vary depending on the price and volume that wholesalers sell their produce for. Seasonal variation is also quite high and is reflective of normal wholesale businesses.

Credit Services around Australia: There is a credit service in each of the six central markets in Australia and they are run by Fresh State’s equivalents in those markets. Some markets, like Perth and Brisbane, have a very high percentage of usage through their credit service. Our Credit Service has a lower percentage throughput compared to the total value of throughput that passes through the market each year.

Interestingly, Sydney introduced two key points that have resulted in their strong usage. The first was that they (the wholesalers) agreed that anyone not using the credit service would be fined $10,000. They have only had to issue two such fines!

The second is that they have a ‘self insurance’ model that guarantees their funds through the service. A ‘self insurance’ fee is charged on top of normal commissions that will insure their funds. The wholesaler must put their entire throughput (except cash) through the credit service or the insurance will be void on the claim.

This system is strongly supported

acts

F e h T a sale not a sda!le?

Perth introduced their electronic system approximately ten years ago and virtually all of their transactions are electronic with all wholesalers fully utilising the system.

They charge far higher fees for those few who want paper copies.

Brisbane introduced the latest electronic system in 2008 where wholesalers send information through on their intranet or via the web to be uploaded into the system.

Brisbane retailers can access their invoices and statement over the web or where there is a dispute, they have 24 hours to lodge the issue electronically. The system also includes a pallet monitoring system for control of pallets in the Brisbane Markets.

Sydney has the highest throughput in Australia with over $1 billion passing through their system annually.

is pai When ou don’t get y issue t s When e g e big h t s ’ t Wha embers? for m id! g pa

Gettin

and rebates have been distributed since a ‘pool fund’ has been established.

So what is changing with our Credit Service?

Our aim: To reduce the debt levels of our members’ customers outside of the Credit Service long before relocating to Epping and to offer members operating terms that better aligns with how they do business.

To do this there are three aspects that we are addressing: The board, in November, resolved to merge the Credit Service operations into the Fresh State office. The Credit Service is wholly owned by Fresh State but has been run as a separate entity from inception until now.

This has now been completed.

Members have strongly indicated that they want flexible terms and that they want their money guaranteed.

We are investigating different software to move to an electronic system that allows us to offer flexible terms; that has electronic data uplift capability and that it is simple and easy to use for both buyers and sellers via the web; and that has a built-in pallet monitoring system. The board will finalise their decision in December for implementing early in the New Year.

It is envisaged that a sliding scale of rates will apply to the different terms offered and to the self insurance model with a qualifying period for different levels.

Full training on the new system will take place for you, your staff and your customers. And where a business does not have a computer, we are looking to offer assistance in this area.

The members want everyone to use the service. The Board has been investigating compulsory registration with the State and the aim is to tie the registration into gate access conditions. This does not mean compulsory usage as that is possibly a breach of ACCC rules but it means that buyers details will be registered allowing for wholesalers to charge directly through the credit service.

What the board has set out to do is reduce debt levels prior to moving; pick up the good things from other markets and offer members the things they want from the credit service. It is envisaged that the transition period will take place in the first quarter of the New Year. Ultimately the success of the changes will come down to members making sure they utilise the system.

The Credit Service is now located at East 3 Street – at the Fresh State office 542 Footscray Road West Melbourne Vic 3003

melbourne markets credit service:

mmcs They specialise in fruit from far north Queensland.

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Food retailing weak compared to all retailing and economic growth (GDP).

2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 -0.5 -1.0

Sep

Dec

Mar

Jun

2008

A Strong Australian economy As 2010 closes, the Australian economy looks for all intents and purposes to be humming along nicely but what is the real story? In comparison with other developed countries, the Australian economy is a good news story. Economic growth has recovered from the overseas ravishes of the global financial crisis. Full time employment has been strong as employers increased hours of employees cut back in response to weak economic growth in 2009. Unemployment is hovering around 5%, a figure that economists and policy makers see as close to full employment.

Resources boom underpins growth

Jun

Sep

Total Retail

Residential building approvals have fallen for six straight months.

18000 15000 12000 9000

Baton passing from government to private sector Government stimulus measures along with the China story carried Australia through the world economic downturn that followed the global financial crisis. These measures are now been wound back and the passing of the baton for economic growth from government to the private sector appears to be happening but with some glitches. Consumer and business confidence while not as strong as earlier in the year remains healthy. Profit share is

The Reserve Bank is adopting a hawkish view on the economy. It raced to the lead in the Melbourne Cup with a rise in the official interest rate. But it was pipped at the finishing post as banks raised their interest rates beyond the official rate rise, fattening margins even further.

Consumers cautious Consumers while optimistic are more circumspect in parting with their money.

They are willing to treat themselves but at the expense of other expenditure items.

Australia is travelling as a two speed economy with variability in economic conditions between industries and within depending on how close businesses are to mining related activity.

Underpinning the economy is the strong demand for Australia’s mineral resources, especially iron ore and coal, from the rapidly growing economies of Asia – particularly China. Increased export volumes and higher prices have been a feature of 2010. Australia’s terms of trade which is the relationship between export and import prices is at a record high due to the mining bonanza. However prices for Australia’s key agricultural exports are also strong on world markets. Apart from Western Australia, farmers are enjoying one of the best seasons in recent times.

Mar

2010

Food Retail

Monthly Numbers – 2010

By Guest Economist – Ian James

Dec

2009 GDP

The Australian Economy – What’s Happening

Sep

high, wage growth contained and corporate Australia is healthy and well capitalised with low levels of debt.

But sharks are below the surface However, below the surface all is not what it seems. Banks have tightened their credit criteria for small business and increased their margins on lending despite evidence that the level of wayward loans is minimal.

Overall retail trade remains sluggish. Discounting among retailers is more the norm than the exception. While those involved in the food chain enjoy some natural protection from the whims of consumers it is not entirely the case. Consumers are seeking value for money and increased supplies of fruit and vegetables are ensuring that margins for business remain tight. The recent rise in interest rates will hurt consumers with high levels of household debt. Small business is being caught in a pincer movement with higher funding costs and the likelihood of increasingly reticent consumers particularly from an increase in internet buying.

6000 3000 0

Jan

Feb

Mar Total

Weak housing sector The housing sector which traditionally plays an important part in providing underlying strength to the economy is appearing sluggish. Approvals for new housing have been falling for six months despite a major shortage of supply. Affordability has become a major problem for many prospective home owners.

Strong Aussie dollar Moreover the strong Aussie dollar while reflecting the strength of the overall economy and the boost coming from the resources boom is laying waste to large sectors of the domestic economy. The tourism industry has been hit for six with Australians attracted to holidaying overseas. The latest figures show that 725,800 Australians travelled overseas in September. Manufacturing is being squeezed by cheaper imports. And the agriculture sector is seeing the cream taken off the

Apr

May

Houses

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Apartments

top of high prices by the appreciating Australian dollar.

Two speed economy These factors are adversely impacting on a wide spectrum of domestically focused industry. Many Australian consumers and businesses are asking ‘what boom?’ The latest survey of business conditions by the National Australia Bank shows it slumping to a 15 month low and below its long term average.

In short, Australia is travelling as a two speed economy with variability in economic conditions between industries and within depending on how close businesses are to mining related activity.

Economic growth expected to accelerate into 2011 Both Federal Treasury and the Reserve Bank are forecasting higher economic growth in 2011 with unemployment

to fall below 5%. Australia is about to be hit by a tsunami of money from the resources boom which will boost income.

The mining sector is gearing up for a massive investment binge with big ticket items given the go ahead. Tight labour market conditions will lead to fears of a wage breakout and inflationary pressures developing.

The Reserve Bank will have its finger on the interest rate trigger button to prevent this from happening. Households will be further squeezed. The income boost from the mining boom will gradually flow through the economy but many Australians will continue to feel left out of the boom. For small business conditions are likely to be similar to this year. Businesses involved in the food chain are likely to face cautious consumers, higher funding costs and tight margins.

economic forecast:

Quarterly Percentage Change

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vale

tributes:

OF AFFAIRS

Dizney Crombie It was with sad tidings that we were informed of the passing of Dizney Crombie.

Dizney seemed to be “part of the fabric of the markets” and although he had been struggling for some time it was still a shock to everyone.

Dizney was born in Pinnaroo in South Australia during the Great Depression in 1932.

He was the youngest of four children and suffered badly with whooping cough and poor lung function, a legacy that he carried all his life.

Dizney married Norma in 1957 and together they raised their three children.

Norma and Dizney went on to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2007, the year Dizney retired.

He started working at the markets in 1955 as a wholesaler in the then Victoria Markets.

Like the other wholesalers in 1969, Dizney moved across from the Victoria Markets to Footscray Road. In 1974 Dizney purchased J. Davis Pty Ltd and ran the business up

to the mid 1980s. During this time he was elected as President of the Victorian Chamber from 1979 to 1983 and served on the Market Trust from 1980 to 1985.

In 1986 he left wholesaling and, after a break, became the Manager / Secretary of the Victorian Chamber, a role that he held up to his retirement in 2007.

The essence of Dizney Crombie was his interactions with people both around the

was Essendon, a team that he always held optimistic hopes for.

Dizney was awarded Life Membership of Fresh State’s predecessor the Victorian Chamber and in doing so he joined a select few who have been acknowledged by their peers, the organisation’s highest honour.

Dizney was an ‘institution around the markets’ and he liked nothing better than shooting the breeze over a coffee (or a scotch) of a morning with some of the wholesalers in one of the market cafes.

The essence of Dizney Crombie was his interactions with people both around the markets and with his family and friends. markets and with his family and friends. He was often ‘instigator or willing participant’ of many of the social activities that took place whether they be official functions for the Chamber, conferences, fundraisers around the markets or with friends.

After Norma and the kids his next love

Our sincerest condolences to Norma, his three children Clare, Janet and David and the extended Crombie family as well as his many close friends from the market community.

He will be greatly missed.