Published Tuesday, 18 December, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Get your taste-buds jumping this Christmas with goodies produced on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast abounds with top quality locally-produced food and wine – perfect for Christmas lunch or to take a plate while visiting family and friends.
Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle is urging Queenslanders to support our local producers and choose Queensland-made food and wine this Christmas.
“Queenslanders need look no further than their own backyard to find everything they need to indulge their family and friends – and themselves – this Christmas,” Ms Boyle said.
“Queensland-produced food and wine is among the best in the world.
“Although Queensland has traditionally been known for its meat products and sugar, our value-added foods are rapidly gaining a worldwide reputation for quality.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to an array of locally-made goodies, from pavlovas and rainforest liqueurs to flavoursome cheeses and tuna kebabs that can help spice up your Christmas table,” Ms Boyle said.
The Queensland Government helps local businesses to promote their products and grow their businesses through workshops, grants and by helping them to showcase their products at exhibitions.
The following businesses have received some form of Queensland Government assistance:
o Kenilworth Country Foods offers a wide range of uniquely flavoured cheeses, such as sun-dried tomato and olive, red cheddar sun-dried tomato and basil, and Old Bitey – a combination of robust and mature cheeses that’s only available at the company’s shop in Kenilworth – as well as traditional favourites.
o Basically Wild Edible Art in Maleny makes connoisseur sauces enriched with wild growing spices from the Australian desert and rainforest such as wild wattleseed satay sauce and aniseed myrtle spice.
o John King of Rainforest Liqueurs has used many of the indigenous fruits and leaves that occur naturally on or near his property at Maleny to create a range of uniquely Australian-tasting liqueurs.
o Mooloolaba’s Coral Sea Fishing is a seafood processing company that specialises in processing tuna, swordfish and bycatch from Mooloolaba’s fleet of long-liners. Its products range from fresh fish loins, steaks or fillets to its new tuna kebabs.
Ms Boyle, who is also responsible for Wine Industry development, said although the Sunshine Coast was not typically known for wine, it had become one of the most diverse and fastest growing wine regions in Queensland and she encouraged people to try a local drop.
“Food and wine tourism is becoming a real growth area for both domestic and international visitors, offering tremendous opportunities to boost the regions.
“Boutique vineyards on the Sunshine Coast hinterland are adding to the region’s already strong food culture.
“Settlers Rise Vineyard and Winery is one such example. Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland on the Blackall Range, the vineyard is regarded one of Australia’s most beautifully situated boutique wineries.
“Its cellar door is open to the public daily and offers visitors the opportunity to sample local produce and cheeses with their wine tasting.
“Set in the rolling hills south of Gympie, Dingo Creek Vineyard is similarly recognised for its ambience.
“The owner will treat you to an informative session on grape growing over morning tea, before you’re free to sample their wines.
“Bush Tucker is themed through the light-meal menu that includes local cheese and seasonal fruit platters.”
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007
18 December 2007
Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle is urging Queenslanders to support our local producers and choose Queensland-made food and wine this Christmas.
“Queenslanders need look no further than their own backyard to find everything they need to indulge their family and friends – and themselves – this Christmas,” Ms Boyle said.
“Queensland-produced food and wine is among the best in the world.
“Although Queensland has traditionally been known for its meat products and sugar, our value-added foods are rapidly gaining a worldwide reputation for quality.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to an array of locally-made goodies, from pavlovas and rainforest liqueurs to flavoursome cheeses and tuna kebabs that can help spice up your Christmas table,” Ms Boyle said.
The Queensland Government helps local businesses to promote their products and grow their businesses through workshops, grants and by helping them to showcase their products at exhibitions.
The following businesses have received some form of Queensland Government assistance:
o Kenilworth Country Foods offers a wide range of uniquely flavoured cheeses, such as sun-dried tomato and olive, red cheddar sun-dried tomato and basil, and Old Bitey – a combination of robust and mature cheeses that’s only available at the company’s shop in Kenilworth – as well as traditional favourites.
o Basically Wild Edible Art in Maleny makes connoisseur sauces enriched with wild growing spices from the Australian desert and rainforest such as wild wattleseed satay sauce and aniseed myrtle spice.
o John King of Rainforest Liqueurs has used many of the indigenous fruits and leaves that occur naturally on or near his property at Maleny to create a range of uniquely Australian-tasting liqueurs.
o Mooloolaba’s Coral Sea Fishing is a seafood processing company that specialises in processing tuna, swordfish and bycatch from Mooloolaba’s fleet of long-liners. Its products range from fresh fish loins, steaks or fillets to its new tuna kebabs.
Ms Boyle, who is also responsible for Wine Industry development, said although the Sunshine Coast was not typically known for wine, it had become one of the most diverse and fastest growing wine regions in Queensland and she encouraged people to try a local drop.
“Food and wine tourism is becoming a real growth area for both domestic and international visitors, offering tremendous opportunities to boost the regions.
“Boutique vineyards on the Sunshine Coast hinterland are adding to the region’s already strong food culture.
“Settlers Rise Vineyard and Winery is one such example. Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland on the Blackall Range, the vineyard is regarded one of Australia’s most beautifully situated boutique wineries.
“Its cellar door is open to the public daily and offers visitors the opportunity to sample local produce and cheeses with their wine tasting.
“Set in the rolling hills south of Gympie, Dingo Creek Vineyard is similarly recognised for its ambience.
“The owner will treat you to an informative session on grape growing over morning tea, before you’re free to sample their wines.
“Bush Tucker is themed through the light-meal menu that includes local cheese and seasonal fruit platters.”
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007
18 December 2007