OPPOSITION WOULD LET WINE INDUSTRY WITHER ON THE VINE: KEECH

Wine Industry Development Minister Margaret Keech has slammed Opposition claims that Queensland’s wine industry is not important enough to deserve its own Minister.

Mrs Keech said the comments made by Opposition Leader Jeff Seeney in Parliament this week demonstrated the Coalition’s contempt for one of the State’s fastest-growing industries.

“I am appalled by Mr Seeney’s dismissive attitude towards this great, emerging Queensland industry,” she said.

“The Beattie Government recognises the importance of Queensland’s winegrowers and the need for them to be supported by the Government.

“Premier Peter Beattie saw the immense potential of our state’s burgeoning wine industry back in 2004, when he created the Wine Industry Development portfolio.

“I am proud to be Queensland’s first Wine Industry Development Minister, and I am proud of the great achievements made through the Government’s fruitful partnership with the industry.

“Today I join the Premier as he officially opens the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe.

“The college is a fine example of what can be achieved when government and industry work together.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the strong partnerships and close working relationships forged through having a dedicated Wine Minister.

“It’s one of many fantastic initiatives developed through the Wine Industry Development strategy.

“This five-year plan, due to run until 2009, has already delivered a host of great schemes designed to drive industry growth.

“A marketing plan to increase the uptake of Queensland wine in the State’s restaurants and hotels has been put in place and we have been heavily involved in a wide range of promotional events to increase awareness of Queensland wines.

“New wine tourism road signage in the South Burnett and Darling Downs regions is now in place and we are raising the profile of the Queensland wine industry in local, domestic and international markets through targeted marketing and awareness activities.

“We are also giving the industry greater capacity to succeed in overseas markets though the Queensland Wine Export Cluster.

“These accomplishments demonstrate the Beattie Government’s commitment to supporting the ongoing development of the Queensland wine industry.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 or 0421 611 989