Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp launched the petition on Monday at the property of Lismore dairy farmer Andrew Wilson, highlighting the “significant impact” of the decision to remove the milk from health facilities on local farmers and communities.

The Nationals MPs are urging the NSW Government to reverse the decision, describing Norco, a 100 percent farmer-owned cooperative, as an “iconic local institution”.

“We are calling on the Minns Labor Government to listen to our communities instead of making decisions from Sydney that directly impact us,” the MPs shared in a statement to media on Monday.

“Norco is more than just a brand; it represents the livelihoods of 191 farming families who rely on this Lismore-based cooperative.

“The removal of this contract could lead to serious consequences, including potential job losses and reduced income for these families.”

The petition highlights the long-standing relationship between Norco and health facilities from the Tweed to Port Macquarie, stressing the importance of supporting local businesses and communities.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has also slammed the decision.

“Norco has been the long-standing milk supplier for health facilities from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie,” Mr Hogan said.

“This is a shameful decision.

“Norco has been quietly dumped by city bureaucrats that have complete disregard for our community and more broadly, regional Australia,” he said.

Decisions on product procurement for local health districts are made by HealthShare NSW, which manages the NSW Government food services contract.

HealthShare says an “open and competitive procurement process” was undertaken for the contract.

“The details of the tender process are deemed commercial in confidence,” a spokesperson for HealthShare told NOTA.

“All NSW Health tenders are managed in accordance with strict procurement guidelines and probity measures, including a robust tender evaluation process with wide representation from relevant NSW Health stakeholders.

“The NSW Government considers a range of factors when awarding tenders, including support for small to medium enterprise, sustainability credentials, location (i.e. regional and rural), Aboriginal-owned businesses and other socio-economic priorities.”

A spokesperson for NSW Health Minister Ryan Park told NOTA that “all existing suppliers” were invited to submit a tender.

“To ensure a decision making process based on merit and fairness, only suppliers who fulfilled all mandatory tender requirements were considered during this procurement process.”

Norco was approached for comment.

By Doug CONNOR