The aim of the review is to determine the most effective and cost efficient structure for the industry. A final report will likely be available in November 2016.

The structure review committee is made up of industry members Gary Eyles, Chairman from New South Wales’ AT Eyles and Sons; Glenn Fenton, Deputy Chairman from Victoria’s Nationwide Trees; Gena Campbell of Queensland’s Redcliffe Garden Centre; and Carl Heyne of South Australia’s Heyne's Wholesale Nursery.

A number of information and data gathering approaches will be undertaken to capture input from members and other industry stakeholders.  The committee will:

1 Facilitate industry-wide input via a professionally managed survey of all industry stakeholders;

2 Consult with the industry association bodies including National and State NGI Boards;

3 Conduct a series of “town hall” meetings during May and June 2016 where they will seek member input;

4 Receive and review written submissions from key stakeholders.

5 Use a consultant to conduct research and benchmarking of other industry structures;

6 Undertake their own investigations and research activities of other industry structures.

Terms of reference for the review have been developed by the review committee and the scope of the review includes the following:

• Consult broadly with NGIA, State Associations and members;
• Consider the structure of similar national and international not-for-profit organisations and what can be learned from their experience;
• Consider the financial implications of the current structure and make recommendations on financial efficiencies of any future structure;
• Make recommendations on the future structure of the industry and what constitutional changes will be required;
• Consider the heritage issues associated with the current structure and how those matters can be preserved;
• Not to consider any issues arising from the Nursery Industry Levy;
• Whilst being aware of the potential of a wider ‘green’ industry, this is not to be considered for the purposes of a future structure.

A meeting of the NGIA Board, State/Territory NGI Presidents and State/Territory CEO’s was conducted at the National Conference in February 2016. The review committee attended for part of this meeting to discuss their approach to the review. The National and State/Territory Association representatives supported the structure review and the approach being taken by the review committee.

The cost of the review is to be met by NGIA with in-kind support to be provided by the State/Territory NGI Associations for organising meetings and providing communications support.

For more information, please contact Kobie Keenan at Nursery & Garden Industry Australia on (02) 8861 5100 or interested parties can e-mail questions.