Riverland Wine has welcomed the South Australian Government’s announcement of a $109 million Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package, describing it as an important step toward supporting growers, strengthening regional communities, and driving long-term sustainability across the state’s wine sector.
The package, announced by Premier Peter Malinauskas, has been developed to support industry transition, expand market demand, promote regional investment, and position South Australia’s wine industry for future growth.
Riverland Wine Chair Brigid Nolan said the package recognised the seriousness of the challenges confronting winegrowers and wine businesses, particularly in the Riverland.
“This announcement provides welcome support for growers and wine businesses as they navigate the most challenging periods our industry has experienced in decades,” Ms Nolan said.
“The Riverland has been at the forefront of the oversupply crisis, and many growers have been making extremely difficult decisions about their future. The Government’s commitment to transition support, market development and regional investment acknowledges both the scale of the challenge and the importance of securing a sustainable future for our wine communities.”
The package includes a range of measures designed to assist industry restructuring and growth, including $100 million government-backed loan scheme to support growers seeking to transition unviable vineyards to more sustainable and higher-value land uses, with loans of up to $500,000 available and no principal or interest repayments required during the first two years.
There is also funding to extend the Global Wine Growth Program for a further two years to drive international demand for South Australian wine, $2 million to develop solutions for the disposal and management of CCA-treated vineyard posts, and funding for diversification and transition planning advice for growers.
Planning reforms through the Riverland Economic Recovery Joint Amendment are included, which will create new land-use opportunities and supporting housing and employment growth in the region.
Ms Nolan said measures aimed at stimulating export growth and reducing surplus inventory were particularly important for rebuilding confidence across the sector.
Riverland Wine also acknowledged the significant advocacy undertaken by the state bodies South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), Wine grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA) and industry leaders in securing government support.
The Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package was developed following consultation with key industry stakeholders after constructive meetings and a wine industry forum convened by the Premier last month.
Riverland Wine looks forward to working with the South Australian Government, wine industry bodies and other stakeholders to ensure the package delivers meaningful outcomes for growers, wine businesses and regional communities. Continued collaboration across industry bodies, government, growers, winemakers and regional stakeholders will be essential to turning this investment into practical, long-term outcomes for the South Australian wine industry.
