Vinehealth Australia’s activities are funded through contributions (levy) as per rules approved by the Minister.  Contributions may be levied on registered persons (vineyard owners), winemakers, and distillers.

Based on the rules approved by the Minister as specified by notice in the Government Gazette, registered vineyard owners are required to pay a contribution for the 2023-24 levy period calculated as the sum of a base fee of $150 and a variable fee of $9.98 per hectare of planted vines.

Under the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995, all vineyards in South Australia of 0.5 hectares or more are required to be registered with Vinehealth Australia.

The current rules do not require a contribution from winemakers or distillers.

Vinehealth Australia invests funds in programs and research that seek to minimise the risk and impact of pests and diseases (in particular phylloxera) to South Australian vineyards.

Why a levy?

The Vinehealth Australia levy funds the biosecurity activities that protect South Australian vineyards from pests and diseases, principally phylloxera.

The tiny insect caused incalculable damage to the American and European wine industries in the late 19th century. In the face of the growing phylloxera threat, South Australian wine industry leaders persuaded the State Government to establish the Vine Protection Act 1874, prohibiting importation of vine material from countries and Australian states infested with phylloxera.

The Phylloxera Act 1899, established the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia, a statutory authority dedicated to the protection of vineyards from phylloxera infestation. The Phylloxera Board – now Vinehealth Australia – has provided more than 120 years of continuous service.

This long dedication to biosecurity by South Australian grapegrowers and industry leaders is a shining light of industry collaboration.

The Vinehealth Australia levy is more important today than ever before due to increasing biosecurity threats including more phylloxera detections and rising exotic incursions.

Vinehealth Australia invests levy funds in resources, programs and research that seek to minimise the risk and impact of pests and diseases to South Australian vineyards. We need a strong biosecurity voice in South Australia to combat rising threats.

Levy FAQs

Q: What is the levy?

A: As per the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995, registered persons (being persons who are recorded in the Register established by Vinehealth Australia as owners of 0.5 hectares or more of area under vine) must contribute to the costs of Vinehealth Australia’s primary functions. Current rules and rates relating to contributions for the 2023-24 levy period are as follows:

  1. A base fee of $150
  2. A variable fee of $9.98 per hectare, based on the area of vines recorded in the Register as being in the ground, living or dead, and the liability is the responsibility of the land owner.
  3. Pursuant to section 23(3) of the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995, the levy is collected or recovered by the Commissioner of Land Tax on behalf of the Board as if the contribution were land tax and is subject to the same penalties for delay or default in payment. The Commissioner of State Taxation has delegated its powers and functions described in Section 23(3) of the Act to the Presiding Member of the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia (trading as Vinehealth Australia).

The Minister has agreed that the base fee applicable to 2024-25 be raised to no greater than $200.  From 2025-26, the base fee will be adjusted each year by no greater than the annual indexation factor determined by the South Australian Government. The variable fee will be annually indexed from 2022-23.

Contributions payable from winemakers and distillers is currently set at $0.

Q: Who pays: the land owner or the lessee?

A: The current levy for vineyard owners based on hectares of vines planted, is a liability that pertains to the land owner as per the definitions of the Act. If a property is to be leased, it is the responsibility of the land owner to implement formal arrangements with the lessee as to payment of the levy. Vinehealth Australia can send Notice of Assessments direct to the lessee upon written authorisation of the land owner. The debt will remain in the name of the landholder. It is the responsibility of the land owner to ensure payments are made. If the fees are not paid, penalties and debt management will be directed to the land owner.

Q: What time period does the current levy for vineyard owners relate to?

A: The annual levy is applied to vineyards comprising 0.5 hectares or more of planted vines as at 30 April, and Notice of Assessments are sent to levy payers in May/June each year. Notice of Assessments are in arrears for the levy period 1 May to 30 April for the year prior.

Q: Vines are being planted on my property. What do I do?

A: As per the Act, land owners are legally required to inform Vinehealth Australia of any new vineyards planted within 3 months of planting. Communications can be emailed to admin@vinehealth.com.au

If a land owner is leasing to a third party who plants vines, it is the land owner’s responsibility to inform Vinehealth Australia. Contact details of the lessee can be added as ‘operators’ but the levy will be generated against the land owner’s name.

Q: How do you keep track of vineyards?

A: Vinehealth Australia regularly utilises aerial imagery to confirm the presence of vineyards. Mapping is updated regularly and is used by Vinehealth Australia’s GIS specialist to determine the size of vineyards. Variations to existing records are cross checked with land owners via the annual Vineyard Records which are posted to land owners each year. Notifications of removal of vines is cross checked using the most recent imagery.

Q: My vines are dead. What should I do?

A: The Act clearly states that the levy applies to vines in the ground, living or dead. Dying or dead vines can still pose a pest/disease risk and hence still incur the levy. Complete removal of the vines is required for the levy to no longer apply to a particular land parcel. Land owners must inform Vinehealth Australia within 3 months of removal of the vines. Removal times may impact on the billing period being that the levy is in arrears (for the previous year).

Q: Can I set up a payment plan?

A: Vinehealth Australia acknowledges the financial challenges faced by some growers. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss payment options and plans. We are here to work with you. The levy is a mandatory liability and cannot be waived or refunded. To avoid debt management, growers who are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact Vinehealth Australia. Annual debt management processes are to ensure outstanding debts are recovered, and thus enable Vinehealth Australia to fulfil is primary functions.

More questions? Contact us via email at admin@vinehealth.com.au or phone (08) 8273 0550.