Public consultation in determination for new south west wine region

The Margaret River grape and wine community will have an opportunity to have its say on the potential determination of a new geographical indication (GI) for the region at a public consultation meeting from 9–11am on Wednesday 23 May at Stay Margaret River.

The Geographical Indications Committee – which is responsible for considering new Australian and foreign geographical indications – will consult with local wine businesses as part of its consideration of the application received for the registration of Wilyabrup, as a separate GI within the pre-existing GI of Margaret River.

Rachel Triggs, Registrar of Geographical Indications and Other Terms, said the upcoming public consultation would be an opportunity for members of the local wine community to have their opinions considered by the Committee in its determination.

‘Geographical indications are intrinsically linked to the wine sector, as they are used to identify the location where a wine originates and the qualities that can be attributed to that place.

‘The consultation period is a key stage in the consideration of applications for the registration of new GIs as it gives the community a chance to voice its opinions before a decision is made.

‘Once a GI is registered it is protected under the Act, after which it is an offence to sell, import or export a wine that uses the name in a false or misleading description or presentation – including on wine labels and marketing information.’

If accepted, Wilyabrup would exist as a separate GI within Margaret River, just as the Greater Southern region in WA contains separate GIs of Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup.