RDA South West

RDA Tasmanian Partnership

RDA Tasmania and RDA South West (RDASW) have a Memorandum of Understanding on collaborating and sharing industry information based on the premise that the basic make-up of the economy and climate are similar, and, that businesses are far enough apart not to impact on each other’s markets.

The creation of FermenTas, a brewing, food and drinks tech hub was the trigger for a link between the Tamar Valley and South West Brewers Alliance (SWBA). RDASW funded a trip connecting South West representatives, with RDA Tasmania hosting and creating a very high quality itinerary. Brewers at both ends have strong environmental values close to their hearts.

The focus of this visit was the Launceston area and Tamar Valley.

To ensure outcomes were recorded and parties concerned pursued established goals, RDASW and SWBA entered into a signed agreement. RDASW funding was supplemented by the SWBA.

Activities undertaken so far include:

SWBA is sharing its charter and partnership agreement structures, which Tasmanian operators can use to create a support network similar to that in the South West, so they can undertake joint marketing and leverage off the Tamar Valley brand.
SWBA has begun looking at how it can link its existing beer trails project to All Trails or Gourmakers (Australian Gourmet Travel app) rather than creating a new platform.
Using Tasmania’s Du Cane short and day walks as a model, SWBA is looking to Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association to see if a similar trails mural can be placed at the start of the Wadandi Track.
Dr Tash Teakle (Agristart/Innovation Cluster) is making introductions with Sustainable Innovative Food Technology and look at freeze drying options in the South West, boosting shelf life without impacting on nutritional values.
SWBA were invited to engage in the University of Tasmania’s brewing science course which is run in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers. Courses include study, placements, workshops and exams.
SWBA is linking with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture’s research into hops and flavours.
SWBA and Tasmania operators are sharing information on dealing with brewing waste water.
Launceston is one of only 50 cities recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. A meeting with Gastronomy Northern Tas means that the Margaret River region will explore other formal recognition such as the Pacific Island Food Revolution and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (ICGAT).