Broad consultation with the wine sector was paramount in the development of the Business Plan for the Export and Regional Wine Support Package.
The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA), Australian Vignerons (AV) and Wine Australia established a Reference Group to provide input, chaired by WFA and comprising members with expertise in winemaking, grape growing and tourism. Membership included representatives from WFA, AV, Wine Australia, peak state industry bodies, Tourism Australia and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
More than 100 submissions were received from the wine sector on activities that could be included in the Package. The WFA, AV and AGWA boards were extensively briefed before endorsing the final recommendations.
WFA and AV consulted directly with state organisations and Cider Australia on the draft Business Plan in two rounds of consultation, the second of which involved sector workshops held in each state from January to April in 2017. State organisations held additional consultations with memberships and regional associations.