LABOR SUPPORT LEAVES A BAD TASTE FOR WINE GRAPES

Federal and State Labor Governments have ignored the crisis that confronts inland wine regions for over two years leaving wine grape growers to wither on the vine before offering a pathetic support package that will do too little for struggling primary producers in the Riverland.

The Albanese Labor Government’s announcement last month of $3.5m to gather industry data was nothing short of insulting before the State Labor Government announcement added salt to the wound by offering up a measly $260,000 to assist some 1,000 impacted growers.

The State Labor Government is willing to spend $20 million to re-development the Lyndoch Footy Oval at the whim of the AFL but can only contribute $260,000 to assist grape growers on their knees.

Once again, this State Labor Government has proven they have the wrong priorities. We need to keep a productive, sustainable Riverland agricultural sector that drives economic growth in South Australia.

Water buybacks, together with no support of substance for Riverland growers risks delivering an economic wasteland.

Since 2022 I have written repeatedly to the appropriate state and federal Ministers, seeking urgent action to support growers, but alas nothing meaningful in response.   Growers are rightly angry, and this latest announcement is nothing but another slap in the face.