A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest a further $3.8 million over four years in partnership with the State’s wine industry to help it grow and prosper.
A new Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Wine Industry Association will focus on creating and maintaining a sustainable workforce, providing grape growers with access to more research and development opportunities, and boosting wine tourism in the regions.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the investment will ensure the right partnerships and supports are in place to drive a bright future for the wine industry in NSW.
“This is a long-term commitment to secure the future of our State’s $14 billion wine industry, and the jobs and skilled workforce it creates,” Mr Saunders said.
“Not only is the wine industry itself a massive employer in towns like Mudgee, but it also brings thousands of visitors to the region to stay in our local hotels, eat at our cafés and restaurants, and shop at our small businesses, so providing ongoing support makes sense,” he said.
“Over the past two years, we’ve worked with industry to drive new export opportunities and innovation, and we want to keep that going.”
David Lowe, chief winemaker and vineyard manager at Lowe Wines at Mudgee, said this agreement is vital to ensure the ongoing sustainability of wine in the region.
“We’ve had amazing support from Dugald as a local member, and as the Minister for Agriculture in this space,” Mr Lowe said.
“It’s critical that as an industry we focus on growing our international profile, export more premium wine, undertake extensive research and development, and support the next generation of growers and producers to enter the industry.
“This pledge from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is a major win for the sector.”