Vinehealth Australia is again offering free biosecurity signs for vineyard owners along the Tour Down Under route. All vineyard owners with vines within 50 metres of the track have been sent a letter from Vinehealth Australia outlining how to order signs.
As Australia’s premier cycling event, the Tour Down Under commands attention with top teams and riders competing, and offers a festival of both entertainment and action on and off the bike, both in central Adelaide and in surrounding wine regions.
“This event will bring an increase in tourists to your region, who may attempt to watch the race adjacent to, or near to your vineyard,” said Suzanne McLoughlin, Vinehealth Australia Technical Manager.
“To protect your vineyard from pests, diseases and weeds, we encourage you to vigilant, to ensure that unauthorised people do not enter your vineyard during the TDU. You have no way of knowing where these tourists have been in the days and weeks prior. They may have come from a phylloxera infested zone.”
Vinehealth Australia recognises that farm-gate signage plays a key role in promoting awareness and desirable behaviour from visitors. “We encourage you to order your signs and display them outside your vineyards along the TDU route,” Suzanne said.
Vinehealth Australia also suggests:
- Creating a barrier between your vineyard and the road, either temporary in the form of bunting, or a permanent structure such as a fence or hedge.
- Having a human presence on the day to ensure tourists are not parking on, or entering your vineyard.
The TDU signs are A1 in size and made of corflute. They will be available for collection from regional wine offices before the race.
If you would like to reserve your free TDU signs, contact the Vinehealth Australia office by 30 November on (08) 8273 0550 or jo@vinehealth.com.au. Further information on TDU dates, times and route maps can be found at www.tourdownunder.com.au.