Co-Operatives

Maleny Co-operative Development

Local Co-operatives

Co-operatives are formed when a group of like-minded individuals join together to accomplish something that each acting alone would never be able to achieve. They cannot be imposed on a community - they have to grow from the energy and commitment of local people.

Co-ops are different to traditional private and public sector  organisations. They represent a third way that integrates economic and social objectives.

Unlike the private sector, which tends to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few, co-ops spread the wealth and power to each member equally. Unlike government, which tends to be remote and unresponsive to the communities it is supposed to serve, co-ops are driven by their members and in touch with their needs.

Co-ops have a tremendous competitive advantage because co-op members have a vested interest in their co-op's success. Members own the co-op so they are more likely to buy the co-op's goods or use its services