NSW Government Investment in the Wine Industry

On Thursday 15th April, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSW Wine Industry Association (NSWWIA) and the NSW Government was signed to boost the focus on trade, export market development, regional wine tourism, research, development, extension and biosecurity. It represents an additional investment by the NSW Government of $600k per year for the next two years, totalling a $1.2m package of agreed support programs.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Mark Bourne, President of the NSWWIA, and the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade Mr John Barilaro.

Mark Bourne commented, “This is very welcome news in what has been a challenging few years for the NSW wine industry, with drought, bushfires, smoke, COVID-19, floods and the recent China export tariffs the wine industry has been dealt some serious blows. Our gratitude goes out to the Deputy Premier and his team involved in putting this significant platform of support together, to enable the recovery and continued growth of the NSW wine industry and the regional communities we live and work in.”

Mr Bourne added “The NSW Wine Industry is a diverse industry that covers everything from the planting and growing of wine grapes, winemaking, wholesaling, exporting, retailing and also plays a leading role in regional tourism across NSW. This MoU will provide a solid framework for the recovery and continued growth of the wine industry in NSW, which employs 53,000 people across regional NSW.”

Deputy Premier Barilaro said, “Our wine industry is invaluable to NSW, contributing $1.6 billion each year to the NSW economy and playing a major role in our $38 billion tourism sector, attracting countless tourists and visitors to wine regions such as the Hunter Valley. The wine industry is also a significant employer here in NSW so it is important that we protect valuable jobs now, while they are needed most.

The MoU is effective immediately and spans two years, until June 2023. Both the NSW Wine Industry Association and the NSW Government are committed to action the new MoU and to continue to create opportunities that will contribute to a strong, profitable and sustainable wine industry.

• Topics:

• Local Business / Economy
• Wine / Viticulture