CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT QUEENSLAND’S EMERGING WINE INDUSTRY

The Queensland Government is set to host the 2007 Queensland Wine Business Conference on Tuesday (24 July), with over 120 stakeholders expected to attend.

The Minister for Wine Industry Development, Margaret Keech, said the Queensland wine industry, like so many other industries in Queensland, has benefited from the strong support of the Beattie Government.

“The 2007 Queensland Wine Business Conference is yet another example of this Government’s support for the State’s growing wine industry,” Mrs Keech said.

“The Beattie Government’s investment over the past three-and-a-half years has assisted the Queensland’s wine industry to develop and importantly, it has provided a strategic vision, which has resulted in industry growth and set the foundations for long term sustainability.”

Mrs Keech said this year’s conference will build on the previous two, with the theme being Business improvement throughout the supply chain.

The conference topics have been designed to offer a diverse and experienced group of wine, business, marketing and viticulture experts.

“The key speakers will discuss the opportunities and challenges of today’s environment, and how the Queensland industry can equip itself for a prosperous future in both the long and short-term,” Mrs Keech said.

Over 120 stakeholders from all facets of the Queensland wine industry will participate in the conference.

The conference is being held on Tuesday 24 July 2007 at the Cathedral Centre at 123 Neil Street, Toowoomba, commencing at 9.00am.

For more information, visit the department’s website: www.dtftwid.qld.gov.au/wine

Further Information: (0408) 018 500

2007 Queensland Wine Business Conference

Keynote speakers include:

Interstate speakers:

- Steve Donohue, National Merchandise Manager, Dan Murphy’s

- Kevin McLintock, Deputy Chairman, McWilliams Wines

- Sam Tolley, Chief Executive, Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation

Local presenters:

- Chris Moyle, Jimbour Wines

- Tim Yule, Blickling Estate Wines

- Trevor Watts, Queensland Wine Industry Association

- Richard Sampson Genest, Stahmann Farms

- Peter Howard, Peter Howard Consultancies

- Michele Cozzi, Granite Belt Wine Tourism Association

- Craig Casagrande, BDO Kendalls QLD

- Tony Hassall and Cameron Playsted, DPI

- Andrew Zuch, Qld Climate Change Centre for Excellence, NRW