Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer
Premier Peter Malinauskas says frequent consultation is happening with the Riverland’s economically crippled grape growers, following meetings with local wine industry representatives that occurred last week.
Visiting the Riverland as part of a broader regional tour of South Australia last Wednesday and Thursday, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas met privately with local growers and wine industry representatives to discuss current issues within the industry, including falling grape prices, increasing water and production costs, and tolls on mental health.
“You can read all the briefs in the world, but nothing will ever measure up to meeting with and hearing directly from people on the ground,” Mr Malinauskas said in a statement provided to The Murray Pioneer.
“I met with grain and sheep producers, and wine grape growers while in the region.
“Our Government is continuously in conversation with local primary producers about the unique issues they are facing, around dry conditions and over supply challenges.
“Every time I come back here I’m reminded this is a beautiful part of our State, the river is stunning.
“On Wednesday night I went for a walk down to the Loxton river front, and was treated to a stunning sunset.”
Mr Malinauskas’ appearance in the region comes close to two months after Riverland Wine addressed a November letter to the Premier, “seeking an urgent government-led crisis meeting with industry, banks, peak bodies and representatives of growers and wineries, within the region, by the end of January”.
“While this may sound like a familiar call for help, please understand that the risk of your inaction is now catastrophic. Right now, the Riverland – South Australia’s largest wine-producing area – is breaking,” the letter read.
Yet, in a statement provided to The Murray Pioneer, Industry Development Council chair Jim Markeas said “Riverland Wine welcomes the Premier’s commitment to continue working with (them)”.
“(Thursday’s) meeting with the Premier was constructive and timely,” he said.
“We were clear in outlining the very real and dire challenges facing the Riverland wine region, including sustained low grape prices, rising costs, and the pressure this is placing on growers, winemakers and regional communities”.
Additionally, Riverland Winegrape Growers Association chair Amanda Dimas said “the Premier listened to the concerns raised, and we had a productive discussion about a range of practical solutions that could help stabilise the sector and support the longterm viability of the region”.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with the State Government to progress meaningful actions that support growers and winemakers, protect regional jobs and help secure a sustainable future for South Australia’s largest wine-growing region.”
However, Mr Malinauskas’ presence in the Riverland also received criticism, with Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone labelling the visit as a “pit stop”.
“The Premier’s visit was more of a pit stop than the crisis meeting our wine industry has been calling for, and it’s three-years overdue,” Mr Whetstone said.
“We were just one of several regions he breezed in and out of to get a few photo opps before heading back to Adelaide.
“It shouldn’t take an election coming up to get him here, and I would hope that any promises he’s made to Riverland Wine are more than just a PR exercise.”
This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 14 January 2026.
