Wine-growing region Margaret River is to be protected

The actual announcement concerning the rejection came after one year of campaigns initiated by local groups that had fiercely fought against plans to establish a black coal mine about 15 kilometers away from the Margaret River. Their main argument was their fear that the water supply could be affected.

“The decision to reject the project based on significant effects on and risks for two aquifers”, Minister Bill Marmion explained. “Margaret River is a unique region, as well for viticulture.” Here we have to protect important ecological values. In the end, this project was much too risky from the ecological point of view alone.”

The Margaret River Wine Industry Association and other local groups expressed their relief and welcomed the decision. Nevertheless, new regulations were issued in order to protect the region from similar proposals in the future. The groups claim from Minister Marmion to adopt further laws that allow the communities of the region to forearm better against the plans of the coal mining industry.

Margaret River: The first important cultivation of grapes took place in 1967; so Margaret River is a pretty young wine growing region, but it is considered to be one of the viticultural regions with the most potential in the world. Despite, or maybe because of its still young tradition, Margaret River has a living and innovative wine growing industry that promotes progressive attitudes and trends in viticulture and vinification. Although this region only accounts for 3 percent of Australia’s vineyards, the vintners there produce about 20 percent of Australia’s top wines on the world market. Today, 215 wine growers and commercial vintners are cultivating grapes on about 5,000 hectares in Australia. (red.yoopress)