This Week In The Market – 4 June 2019

– Roof canopy update
– Plain pallets in the Market
– Safer ways to access goods from heights

Market News

Roof canopy update

Last year we advised Market users that the MMA were in the initial planning stages to have additional roofing installed in the area between the forklift highway and trading stores; since then a lot has been going on in the background.
The MMA Board approved advancing the project, and our project team took a design for the two canopies to market for tender, with responses currently being evaluated.
The project is a complex one and fundamental to the design is ensuring the incorporation of solar panelled roofs with a generating capacity of 2,000 kW.
There are some delays in getting the project to the construction stage with external stakeholder, SP Ausnet, who are the Northern region grid and infrastructure owner, not yet approving the solar installation.
The financial model for the construction of the canopies was formulated based on having the electrical output from the solar generation, and this is, unfortunately, delaying the finalisation of the project.
We are working hard to get things moving and will keep you updated as we advance this exciting new project, watch this space!

Meet your advisory committee members

Over the coming weeks, we will be profiling each of our advisory committee members for you to get to know a little more about them.
This week we spoke to Harry Huyskens, from the Growers Advisory Committee.
Your role at the Market:
I run Cranbourne Valley Produce – I’ve been in the Market now for over 40 years.
What do you think are important issues for the Market and the industry?
We have new people coming into the industry made up of a variety of different cultures, which is great. I do think further education needs to happen to ensure the quality of work from these new greengrocers is at the same high standard as those coming from established multi-generational businesses. I also think we need to work on promoting greengrocers and the industry as a whole to the wider public more.
What are you positive about for the future? 
I see a lot of young people coming through the Market, and we need to encourage it more. We should focus on these guys, who are the next generation taking over.
Why did you want to be a member of the advisory committee?
I see there are some younger members on the committee now and I want to offer my support. I believe I can learn from them and they can learn from me.
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m a keen golfer, I play just about every week – although I probably go more for the social side, I’m not all that good.

Advisory committees work with the MMA to advise on matters relating to Market operations and the fresh produce industry, and committee members are a great source of information and advice for Market users. To find out who all the members of the advisory committees are, please visit the MMA website.

An update on plain pallets in the Market

To combat waste, bulk volumes of plain empty pallets will no longer be able to enter the Market.
Plain pallets containing produce will be able to enter as usual; however, if you have a bulk load of empty plain pallets, we advise that you can dispose of them at ecoDynamics, (480 Cooper Street, Epping) where they are recycled into garden mulch.

Weekly words of wisdom

Accessing goods from heights

Forklifts should only be used for how they are intended. Market users are reminded that forklifts are for carrying loads; they are not designed to be used as a stepladder to reach objects.
When reaching high objects never use the forklift prongs as a step, choose other devices such as safety/non-slip steps.
A person should only be raised on a forklift with an approved platform attached. When using a forklift work platform, you must follow the operating instructions, and the platform must have a cage.
Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees.
Businesses and individuals must ensure that those with a current forklift licence only operate forklifts.

Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit promotion for A Better Choice retailers still available

We still have a limited number of Zespri Kiwifruit merchandise packs, now available for collection from the Melbourne Market Customer Service Centre.
You won’t want to miss these! Full of goodies to merchandise your store and fun freebies for your customers.
To build consumer demand for Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit during the promotional period, TV advertising is currently running in Melbourne & Regional Victoria. Click here to view the TV ad.
The Zespri SunGold Kiwi promotion is just one example of the many benefits of being a member of the A Better Choice program. Book an in-store appointment today to learn more about joining the program.

Queens Birthday Public Holiday

The Market will be closed for the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 10 June.
If your parking permit only allows access on a Monday, and you would like to come to the Market on an alternative adjacent day, you will not be charged for parking and can enter the Market. However please note, your regular bay may not be available. Please see a Market Relations Officer on arrival for instruction.
If you’re wondering what’s open in Melbourne, and ideas for things to do during the Queen’s Birthday weekend, check out the Herald Sun’s Queens Birthday guide.

United diesel station now open

Industry News

Is your business eligible for a $30k asset write-off next month?

With the end of the financial year fast approaching, small and medium-sized businesses could be eligible for an instant asset write-off of up to $30,000.
The Federal Government boosted the threshold on the Instant Asset Write-off Scheme last month, in a move designed to stimulate growth for small and medium-sized business.
Click here to read more.

Why the future of growing strawberries in Australia may be up in the air

The future of Australian strawberry growing could literally be up in the air, with farmers following an international trend that takes the back-breaking work out of picking the fruit.
Click here to read more.

Key Dates

Monday 10 June – Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Ask the MMA

If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.