Central Otago Wine: Collaboration fuels growth and tourism
Carolyn Murray, general manager of Central Otago Winegrowers Association, says collaboration remains Central Otago's secret weapon.
COWA General Manager Carolyn Murray says the opportunity is an important step.
“Our members take their role as custodians of this landscape seriously. We welcome the opportunity to present expert evidence and ensure that the potential implications for viticulture are fully understood before any decisions are made.”
The Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project is a major proposed open-pit and underground mine near Cromwell, developed by Santana Minerals.
In previous letters to the panel and the Environmental Protection Authority, COWA outlined substantive concerns relating to the potential effects of the proposal on vineyard land, water quality, and the long-term sustainability of the region’s internationally recognised wine industry.
They noted that any impacts on the region’s environmental integrity or global wine reputation could have enduring consequences for growers, the regional economy, and New Zealand’s premium wine brand well beyond the life of a mining project.
The comments to the panel will be made before 10 April.
