The Coalition is calling on the Federal Labor Government to continue the crucial Wine Tourism and Cellar Door grants after failing to provide a coherent response, let alone confirm if the program would continue.
The Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the grants enabled wine or cider producers around Australia who had met the eligibility criteria in the preceding financial year to access an annual grant of up to $100,000.
“Regional wine and cider producers across Australia are relying on the grants,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I urge the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt to open the program for applications as soon as possible.”
As the program is retrospective and grants would relate to eligible cellar door sales made in the 2021-2022 financial year, it is important that Australia’s grape and wine businesses are able to access the grants as soon as possible as they are already dealing with the impacts of COVID-19.
The grant was previously aimed at encouraging more Australian wine tourism and creating jobs. Total funding under the grant was capped at $10 million each financial year.
