Riverland politicians unimpressed by latest wine industry support ‘Band-Aid’ solution
Sebastian Calderon, Hugh Schuitemaker. New economic support for Riverland grape growers will fall short of what is necessary to overcome current industry challenges, according to the Riverland’s state MP ... "If I was a grape grower, I would like to know exactly what varieties do our global trading partners want, and what they don’t want is what we need to make the hard decisions on": Tim Whetstone.
New $260,000 package for wine industry
Extra funding will be allocated to help Riverland grape growers address the oversupply of red wine. The State Government last week announced an extra $260,000 for CCW Co-operative, aimed at supporting members to diversify into alternate crops and improve access to information for new revenue streams ... The support package will also see an implementation officer appointed by Riverland Wine to assist with rolling out the Riverland Wine Industry Blueprint.
Riverland chances in Accolade merger
Hugh Schuitmaker. The Riverland’s State MP is optimistic a merge of Accolade Wines with another large industry giant will provide positive opportunities for the region. Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL) last week announced Accolade Wines would be merged with Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses. Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the decision reflected pressure facing the commercial wine sector.
Millions more in support flowing for Riverland councils, but – too little too late?
Madison Eastmond, Hugh Schuitemaker ... The Federal Government yesterday announced $25m worth of funding to support flood recovery efforts. However, Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the repair of damaged local infrastructure needed to be a higher priority ... "Some are unsafe, and councils are left swinging in the breeze wondering if funding will eventuate to repair the flood impacted road network."
Renmark icon’s restoration
Madison Estmond. “Around 10 months ago, a 5kg concrete slab fell off the building’s soffit onto the road,” Hotel Renmark general manager Darren Baker said ... With the project approved by Stage Heritage and the hotel’s community board, Hotel Renmark will also be painted.
Haby claims Enduro victory
Sebastian Calderon. Speed and adrenaline were the highlights last weekend during round one of the South Australian Off-Road Racing Championship. The Waikerie Hotel Motel Riverland Enduro was held on New Well, south of Waikerie, over Saturday and Sunday.
An oar-some announcement
Hugh Schuitemaker. Collaboration between Renmark Paringa Council, the State Government and a local rowing club is set to support a $1.7m infrastructure upgrade ... "The project will result in a 70m long wharf with 6m ramps down on either side to allow the Renmark Rowing Club to host large meets and become a premier destination for rowers statewide": Tim Tol.
Dozens of boats unable to take part in rally event
Christine Webster. The owners of about 30 boats found themselves moored around Renmark after a build-up of silt and low River Murray levels in two areas prevented them from travelling to Wentworth, in south-west NSW, for a popular rally. Owners of the PB Curlew, Jim and Heather Maywald, from Good Hope Landing, east of Waikerie, said it was disappointing for the boat owners ...
