The newly appointed Riverland Wine Industry Blueprint Steering Committee met for the first time this week, following the State Government’s announcement earlier this year that it will support the Riverland wine industry to develop a 10-year blueprint, defining a pathway to recovery following the unprecedented challenges of the past few years.
Independent chairperson of the Riverland Wine Industry Blueprint Steering Committee, Mr Dennis Mutton, led the meeting of 13 members at Banrock Station, Kingston on Murray.
Mr Mutton and the Steering Committee will play an important role in overseeing the delivery of the blueprint and will be responsible for providing guidance and advice to the project team and ensuring that the strategic plan is aligned with the needs and aspirations of the industry.
The Steering Committee, comprised of a mix of government and industry representatives, has commenced work on the blueprint and will meet monthly until September 2023.
Steering Committee members include representatives from Riverland Wine, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Department for Trade and Investment, Starrs Reach Vineyard, Overland Corner Viticulture & Brock Produce, Accolade Wines, Ricca Terra Wines, Wine Australia, Australian Commercial Wine Producers and Hill Smith Family Estates.
A broader industry reference group from across the grape and wine value is being established to inform the Steering Committee as it identifies strategic priorities for the Riverland wine industry.
The Government of South Australia is providing a $100,000 grant to Riverland Wine for the development of the blueprint, with Riverland Wine and Wine Australia making additional contributions to ensure the project is appropriately resourced.
