This Week in the Market edition 126 – 11 April 2017

Market News

Electrical equipment tagging

With the changing weather upon us, it’s a timely reminder that all electrical equipment brought to the Market – such as heaters – must be tested and tagged by a registered electrical testing company.

All Market users have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others, and to comply with Market Operating Rules and the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) plan.

Electrical safety is a key safety priority within the common and trading areas of the Market.

The following rules aim to minimise the risks associated with electrical hazards including the risks of fires and electrocution:

• Access to electrical switchboards is to be kept clear at all times
• All electrical work is to be undertaken by a qualified electrician
• Double adaptors must not be used – use portable power boards that have individual switches on each outlet.
• Cords and leads are not to be run across floors, doorways, walkways, aisles or anywhere else they could be tripped or ran over.

If there’s any power loss to outlets due to faulty equipment, the user may be back charged.

Anzac Day public holiday

Please note the trading hours for the Anzac Day public holiday.Fruit and Vegetable Market
Anzac Day, 25 April – CLOSED
Wednesday, 26 April – 3:30am to 7.30am (one hour earlier than usual)

Warehousing access on Anzac Day

Warehouse access remains unchanged on Anzac Day. The Anzac Day trading hours only apply to the trading floor. Access for warehouse tenants is 24 hours 7 days a week.

Flower Market
Anzac Day, 25 April – CLOSED
Wednesday, 26 April – 3:30am to 7:00am (normal trading hours)

If your parking permit only allows access on a day where a public holiday falls 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 seek instruction from a Market Relations Officer on arrival.

Easter trading hours this week

A reminder the Market will be closed this Friday, 14 April for Good Friday and Monday, 17 April for Easter Monday.

Refer to the Melbourne Market website for full details regarding Easter trading hours.

Don’t dump waste at the pallet drop-off stations

The pallet drop-off stations are for pallets only and not waste dumping.

Infringements will apply if pallets are left anywhere on Market land other than the drop-off stations or the Recycling Transfer Centre, and if the stations are used for waste dumping. The stations are now being monitored by CCTV.

Industry News

Revised Horticulture Code of Conduct

A revised Horticulture Code of Conduct came into effect on 1 April 2017. If you trade in horticulture produce on or after this date, you must comply with the terms of the Code.

There are several important changes in the revised Code, including:

• Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
• There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
• All parties must act in good faith
• You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
• You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing
• You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agreement to accept it. Written acceptance (like an email) is enough.

You have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code.

If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018, it must be compliant with the Code immediately.

Further information about the Horticulture Code can be found here.

Key Dates

Children in the Market

• Tuesday, 11 April 2017
• Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Easter 

• Good Friday, 14 April 2017
• Easter Monday, 17 April 2017

Anzac Day

• Tuesday, 25 April 2017

Access card common expiry

• Sunday, 30 April 2017

Ask the MMA

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