THE Riverland could be home to a new $19 million state-of-the-art wine and food centre, which a local minister says could create more than 100 jobs for the region.
The State Government last week released a business case examining the potential benefits of a new Riverland Wine and Food Centre in the region.
However, District Council of Loxton Waikerie chief executive officer David Beaton said communication was required with the wine, hospitality and tourism industries surrounding the centre’s potential viability.
“I would be guided by industry – including local wineries, Riverland Wine, hospitality and Destination Riverland – as to the likelihood on meeting the low and high revenue ranges,” Mr Beaton said.
“If it was built it would be a great addition to the tourism mix for the region and give visitors a reason to ‘stay another day’, while enhancing the tourism experience.”
Mr Beaton said he wanted further engagement with existing Riverland wineries and function venues regarding a location for the centre.
“(The) design model seems to favour a river setting where water to the 1956 flood zone is controlled by the height of the bank or a levee bank, which may limit available sites,” he said.
“The business case does not examine potential effects on current businesses with competition for weddings and conferences at existing venues.”
A Murray Pioneer survey conducted in January 2019 – which had over 1000 votes – saw Renmark receive the most support to host the centre.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the centre would put a necessary focus on the region’s wine producers to increase tourism to the Riverland.
“The feedback from stakeholders was the Riverland needs more recognition and reputation for the quality of food and beverages being produced, a greater focal point to attract visitors and a more co-ordinated approach,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Despite accounting for over a quarter of Australia’s wine grape production, the business case found visiting a winery is only the 10th most popular activity for domestic visitors to the Riverland.
“As a stakeholder said during workshops, ‘there is no focal point that defines, promotes, and demonstrates the diversity of food and wine in the Riverland’.
“A project like this would profile the best of the Riverland’s food and beverages and also spotlight the history of our wine sector in a unique way.”
Mr Whetstone said economic benefits from the centre could also be crucial in helping the Riverland recover from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Not only would the centre be a tourism drawcard, it would also be an economic boost,” he said.
“Construction of the centre would create up to 117 jobs for the Riverland, with up to 28 additional ongoing jobs.
“When we return to normality from the impact of the coronavirus, it is important every avenue is explored in attracting investment and visitors to the Riverland.”
The Riverland Wine and Food Centre Business Case can be viewed by visiting the PIRSA website (pir.sa.gov.au/riverlandcentre).