Official opening of the Porongurup Winery

26/2/99
The official opening today of the Porongurup Winery marks the start of a new and exciting era for local winegrowers, according to Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan.
The winery was established by a co-operative of local grape-growers to enable them to process their wine without having to go through the larger commercial wineries, where space is at a premium due to increased plantings.
Partners in the co-operative include Chatsfield, Jingalla, Montgomery's Hill and Ironwood.
Mr Cowan said wine production was moving at full speed in Australia. Plantings had been increasing dramatically and this was forecast to continue, due to prime export opportunities.
"The industry has a very strong outlook, with Western Australian wine production at the forefront due to our focus on the premium end of the wine market, where export demand is particularly strong," he said.
"The opening of the Porongurup Winery amidst all of this activity is timely, giving local growers much greater control over their own destiny."
Mr Cowan said the State Government had been pleased to assist the co-operative by providing funding assistance to meet the substantial headworks cost associated with connecting three-phase power to the winery site, located 1.5km west of the Porongurup townsite.
The assistance included a $72,500 interest-free loan, which will convert to a grant after two years once various conditions are met, and a further $72,500 provided as an interest-bearing loan. The $145,000 total represents 75 per cent of the headworks cost.
The assistance was awarded under the Regional Headworks Development Scheme, administered by the Department of Commerce and Trade. The scheme was established by the State Government to assist regional businesses pay headworks charges associated with water, power, gas, sewerage, drainage and telecommunications establishment.
Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595