"Welcome to 'The Precinct'," were the four key words enthusiastically expressed by the Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates, on June 5, poised on the immaculately curated lawn of the (now formerly named), Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe.
The December 2024 reality of the possibility of its closure was met with swift action by the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce who, according to chamber President Michelle Feenan, contacted Southern Downs MP James Lister, with the impetus to gather a "Collective" of expertise for its rescue.
"We immediately spoke to James' office, and then James himself, and that decision was turned
around in hours," Ms Feenan said at the announcement a week ago, noting the assistance of Southern Downs Regional Council and others who "gave direction and guidance".
Collective collaboration involving Granite Belt Wine and Tourism, the Granite Belt Growers Association, Queensland Country Tourism, and the Queensland Wine Industry Association led to what Ms Feenan said is also labelled the "Consortium," who invested four months of "enormous hours of research, engagement, dreaming, testing, debating and then reviewing" to birth a four-year proposal for the facility's future.
"This is an exciting day ... (and) it's a credit to the whole team," the local president further said last week, with several in the Consortium standing behind the lectern, smiling broadly.
“We have developed a four-year plan for The Precinct to deliver hands-on training in viticulture, agribusiness, tourism, hospitality, and business management and work with industry to address workforce shortages.
“In time, it will also drive industry-led research, advancing sustainable food production, wine technology and climate-resilient agriculture.
“The Precinct’s operations will be built around four key pillars - Food, Wine, Tourism, and Education/Innovation - ensuring a holistic approach to industry growth, skills development, and regional economic sustainability."
Minister Bates said the future of The Precinct will allow the "(Varia's) Restaurant, wine tasting, training and grape harvesting" to continue, led by the co-ordination of the chamber, whom she acknowledged, along with MP Lister and local council, and what will be a "dynamic hub to support jobs, training, tourism, business and wine production".
"We are backing the right people, with the right knowledge to give the college a chance at a sustainable future," Minister Bates said, affirming the support of the Crisafulli Government who have funded the facility in this interim period, and will continue to do so "until they are on their feet".
"They are locals with have 'skin in the game', who care about the local area ... (and) you couldn't ask for a better group of people who see a path forward and want to encourage even more people through this facility."
Ms Feenan said The Precinct "isn't just about the Granite Belt," affirming that the future will have "a Queensland focus," even with international "aspirations".
She acknowledged MP Lister, the Crisafulli LNP Government and the visit of the Minister, as did Southern Downs Regional Mayor, Melissa Hamilton.
“On behalf of the Southern Downs community, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Crisafulli Government, Minister Bates and local member James Lister MP for their commitment to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for this iconic facility and their advocacy in ensuring this project received the support it needed,” Mayor Hamilton said
“The Chamber’s efforts in leading a comprehensive community engagement process have been instrumental in shaping a vision that reflects the aspirations of our region.
“This is a proud moment for the Southern Downs. The Precinct will preserve the legacy of the college and elevate it into a nationally significant hub for education, innovation and regional development,” Mayor Hamilton said.
James Lister MP was unable to be present due to his hospitalisation but was visited by Minister Bates after the announcement, and sent his heartfelt gratitude to all involved, saying, “While this has been a challenging situation for those directly impacted, we now have a great opportunity with the exciting local concept for ‘The Precinct’ to bring vibrancy and innovation to the popular tourism town of Stanthorpe."
The last word should perhaps go to the local chamber president who said she "wished" for a dollar for how many times she heard that the facility "had to keep going".
"I'd be wearing much fancier clothes," Ms Feenan joked.
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