MEDIA STATEMENT: Cork pops on exciting new era for Queensland College of Wine Tourism

Cork pops on exciting new era for Queensland College of Wine Tourism 

• The Crisafulli Government delivers rescue plan to transform the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
• A local consortium will establish and deliver ‘The Precinct’, a dynamic hub to support training, workforce development and employment pathways in agribusiness hospitality, tourism and wine and food production.  
• The Crisafulli Government was forced to take urgent steps to secure the future of the facility after it was left in limbo by Labor.  

The Queensland College of Wine Tourism is set to become the taste of the Southern Downs after the Crisafulli Government delivered a rescue plan to transform the facility. 

A local consortium has been selected as the operator of 'The Precinct' to drive The Queensland College of Wine Tourism’s exciting new era that will support jobs, training, tourism, agribusiness and wine production. 

The local consortium selected is led by the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce, with representatives from: 

• Granite Belt Wine and Tourism 
• Granite Belt Growers Association
• Queensland Country Tourism
• Queensland Wine Industry Association
• Southern Downs Regional Council  

The Queensland Government will support this transition period over the next two years with initial seed funding to give The Precinct every chance of success. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a lifeline for Queensland’s College of Wine Tourism, after Labor abandoned financial support for the facility, which would have seen it closed before Christmas and resulted in the loss of more than 20 local jobs.

Labor’s decision would have also denied students from Stanthorpe State High School the opportunity to continue to train in viticulture, tourism and hospitality. 

The Crisafulli Government is focused on returning students and other trainees to the College, laying the foundation to provide vital services for Queensland’s wine and tourism sectors. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates, said listening to people with genuine local experience and knowledge was crucial in selecting the consortium.  

“I am pleased that the selection panel chose a locally managed consortium to operate the college of Wine Tourism going forward,” Minister Bates said. 

“With an experienced consortium led by the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce and supported by the council and wine and tourism industry representatives, Mr Lister and I are confident they can deliver a sustainable future.  

“This is a massive win for the Southern Downs region, including the people employed at the College, and will help address the evolving needs of Queensland’s food, wine, agribusiness and tourism sectors. 

“We are glad to have stepped in to save the college because we recognise just how important the College is for local jobs, training and tourism growth in the area.” 

Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the Crisafulli LNP Government would always pursue solutions in the best interests of jobs and regional Queensland. 

“While this has been a challenging situation for those directly impacted, we now have a great opportunity with the exciting local concept for ‘The Project’ to bring vibrancy and innovation to the popular tourism town of Stanthorpe,” Mr Lister said. 

“We look forward to supporting the local organisations involved to create something special in beautiful Stanthorpe and ensure a fresh start for our region’s tourism, food and wine industries.” 

Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Feenan, who will lead the consortium, described The Precinct as a unique facility for Australia. 

“We have developed a four-year plan for The Precinct to deliver hands-on training in viticulture, agribusiness, tourism, hospitality, and business management and work with industry to address workforce shortages,” Ms Feenan said. 

“In time it will also drive industry-led research, advancing sustainable food production, wine technology and climate-resilient agriculture. 

“The Precinct’s operations will be built around four key pillars - Food, Wine, Tourism, and Education/Innovation - ensuring a holistic approach to industry growth, skills development, and regional economic sustainability."