South Australia announces $109 million wine industry support package

The South Australian Government has announced a $109 million support package, known as the SA Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package, to assist the state’s grape and wine sector. Premier Peter Malinauskas unveiled the initiative, which includes $100 million in government-backed loans designed to fund vineyard transitions.

Additional funding components include $1 million to help growers diversify or transition vineyards, $2 million for the development of disposal solutions for CCA-treated timber posts, and $500,000 to address surplus wine inventories through industry-led measures. The package also allocates $5 million to extend the Global Wine Growth Program for two years and $675,000 for an advertising campaign to promote South Australian food and wine.

To facilitate this transition, the government will appoint a Wine Industry Coordinator to bridge communication between the state and the sector. Kirsty Balnaves, President of the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), welcomed the commitment, noting that the industry has faced an incredibly challenging period. Australian Grape & Wine also expressed support for the package while calling for similar national support for growers.