Riverland wine grape growers in South Australia are seeking to rezone their agricultural land for residential housing as they exit an industry facing a crisis.
Grape growers in the Riverland region of South Australia are considering rezoning their agricultural land to residential use as the wine industry struggles with economic challenges. Many growers are finding themselves unable to sustain their businesses and are leaving their vineyards to wither, with Neil Minther being a notable example; after over three decades in the industry, he has turned off his irrigation and is advocating for a change in land use as a viable alternative. The South Australian government has predicted a substantial demand for housing, estimating that nearly 14,000 homes will be required in the Murray Mallee area over the next quarter-century, adding urgency to the growers' proposals.
