Report focus on pipeline threats

By Melissa Meehan
DECLINING tourism in the Yarra Valley and the adverse effect of the Sugarloaf pipeline has been highlighted in a recent market profile.
The report by Tourism Victoria has been supported by the Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association (YVWGA) and Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe.
The report says there has been a large decline in the number of day visitors to the Yarra Valley and Ms Fyffe and the YVWGA have expressed their concerns for local business owners.
“The Yarra Ranges tourism industry is likely to be further negatively impacted by the proposed north-south pipeline,” Ms Fyffe said.
“The pipeline will require a large number of water crossings above ground and possibly below ground creating an eyesore.
“The pipeline will also cut access to a number of winery cellar doors. During construction, there will be considerable earth works reducing access to the wineries and will deter tourists from entering.”
Ms Fyffe said she had been contacted by many local businesses which are concerned about the number of visitors to their wineries, scared that those numbers will decline further because of the unattractiveness of the construction site.
“These are legitimate concern for people who have invested their money and lives into building successful businesses in the Yarra Valley,” Ms Fyffe said.
Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association president Howard Carter said that he and members of the association were greatly concerned at the effect on the industry that the proposed pipeline represents.
“Our members are concerned that the proposed Sugarloaf pipeline will potentially spread phylloxera, disrupt water supplies and affect vineyard health,” Mr Carter said.
The YVWGA represents 87 wineries, wineyards and associated businesses in the Yarra Valley which is a unique cool climate wine producing region.
Mr Carter said that he believed proceeding with the Sugarloaf pipeline would severely impact the Yarra Valley region including the effect on wine tourism in the region and have a trickle down effect to many other businesses which support tourism in the region.
“The YVWGA believes that the Sugarloaf pipeline cannot be undertaken in the Yarra Valley without significant detriment to our members, the Yarra Valley and wine tourism,” Mr Carter said. Ms Fyffe echoed Mr Carter’s statement, highlighting the effect on the tourism industry as a whole in the Yarra Valley.
“By proceeding with the north-south pipeline, the trickle down effect will be felt by numerous businesses in the area including accommodation, hospitality, restaurants, cafes and other service industries,” Ms Fyffe said.
“In 2005, 2,463,000 domestic visitors come out to the region.
“In 2006, the number declined to 2,261,000, representing a disappointing decrease in tourist interest in our region.” Ms Fyffe said.
Federal water Minister Tim Holding was unable to be contacted by the Mail.