Winemakers Environmental Sustainability

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:22): My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Will the minister update the chamber on the new guidelines developed by Zero Waste SA, designed to assist winemakers in South Australia improve their environmental sustainability?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:22): I thank the honourable member for his fantastic question. It goes without saying that South Australians are rightly proud of our world-renowned wine industry. One or two of us in this place have been known to support the industry in our own way. For many decades now South Australia has been the nation's largest grape grower, wine producer and wine exporter, and certainly with a premium product I think we lead the way consistently.

From an economic viewpoint there is no doubt that this is a very significant industry for our state. In total, the agriculture, food and wine industries generate about $15.5 billion in annual revenue, or 11 per cent of gross state product, and wine currently contributes around $1.7 billion in revenue to the state's economy, I am advised. Wine exports are the state's third largest export earner, and the industry contributes to employment, manufacturing, research, development and technical innovation.

Our wine has put South Australia on the map and has generated a great deal of domestic and international tourism, further contributing to our state's economy. We know there is growing competition from other wine regions, and we must do all we can to ensure that South Australian wine is very resilient and able to keep our leadership position.

The South Australian wine industry must demonstrate a commitment towards identifying and managing environmental impacts beyond regulatory compliance in order to stay ahead of the game. That is why I am pleased to report that Zero Waste SA has developed a new guide to help South Australia's wine industry achieve the best environmental practice and sustainability standards.

South Australia is well known for its clean and green environment, and will lead the nation again in environmental policies, and we are increasingly gaining an international reputation as a clean and green state. This means that our wine industry is perfectly positioned to respond to international demand for premium wine that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. In addition, studies have shown that the green credentials of products are important to consumers, who are becoming more and more discerning. Now, for the first time, South Australian wineries have access to a step-by-step guide in how to develop their own environment management plan.

The guide encourages wineries to consider and answer 12 key questions when developing an environment management plan. It also outlines specific steps and actions when addressing each question and it includes tips to involve management, as well as how to update the plan on an annual basis. These guidelines are designed to help the winery demonstrate its commitment to improving its own environmental performance and this can be an important factor when applying for government funding programs and, of course, the all important industry awards.

Zero Waste SA has successfully worked with many wine businesses to assist them in diverse areas such as waste, energy and water management, supply chains and cultural change. The South Australian Wine Industry Association provided important technical advice for the environmental management plan guidelines for the South Australian wineries. In addition, I am told that Wirra Wirra winery in McLaren Vale piloted the guidelines by developing its own environmental management plan that provided valuable insight when finalising the guidelines. I have enjoyed reading the guidelines and the Wirra Wirra case study, and these are now available from the Zero Waste SA website at www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/upload/industry/guides/ZWSA-Wine-Industry-Guide.pdf

This is an another great example of the innovative policies that the South Australian government is employing in the environmental sector. I am particularly pleased that Wirra Wirra has worked so closely in relation to this. I suspect that over many years I have personally kept Wirra Wirra solvent, regarding their Church Block and their lovely rosé that I have enjoyed from time to time. Again and again we have shown that by actively tackling environmental issues, and enjoying a glass of wine with them, we are creating sustainable economic opportunities for the state. I encourage all honourable members in this place to be loyal members of South Australia and to drink very loyally South Australian produce.

The Hon. G.E. Gago: In moderation.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: In moderation, as always.