Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone MP says the Riverland’s winegrape growers are in urgent need of the same lifeline thrown to drought-affected farmers this week.

Mr Whetstone is calling on the State Government to provide low to no-interest loans to help growers navigate a dramatic decline in global wine consumption and other tough market conditions.

He says his region is preparing for an “economic tsunami” after three years of winegrape prices that are well below the cost of production and a 2026 vintage that is set to provide further disappointment and financial strain.

“While I of course welcome the funds being made available to local grain producers, we can’t forget about the winegrape growers who have been fighting their own battles to keep our wine industry alive,” Mr Whetstone said.

“They face unique challenges because of the long-term financial commitment required to grow winegrapes. They are heavily invested in the success of the South Australian wine industry, which is still worth $2 billion to the state’s economy.

“The Government has committed up to $200 million for these drought relief loans and they have a $102.5 million plan for algal bloom. Now they need to put some serious money on the table for our wine industry.

“We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for loans so that our growers are empowered to find a new path forward. So far all we have is a $3 million SA Wine Recovery Program that has achieved very little.

“Without an immediate and significant investment from the Government in the form of low to no-interest loans, which ultimately cost them nothing to provide, I have major concerns about the future of our region.”