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A new two-year action plan will see the State Government and the wine industry continue to work closely together to create new growth opportunities.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin launched the Wine Industry Action Plan 2009-2011 at a special discussion forum in Toowoomba for leading members of the State's wine industry.

The Minister, who is responsible for the development of Queensland's wine industry, said the new plan would build on the Government's previous five-year strategy.

"The State Government and the industry joined forces in 2004 to find ways of building a more productive and sustainable wine industry in Queensland," he said.

"Everyone could see the potential for this comparatively small industry which stretches from the southern Granite Belt to Queensland's northern tropical fruit wine region.

"After intensive consultation we came up with a five-year plan designed to improve tourism, economic development and employment opportunities throughout the State's 10 wine regions."

Mr Mulherin said the Government's five-year plan had contributed to many successes for the wine industry including:

• Wine producer numbers increasing by 34 per cent (145 wine producers in 2003-04 compared to 194 producers in 2007-2008);

• Cellar door sales increasing by 19 per cent ($13.26M in 2004 to $15.82M in 2008);

• Area cultivated increasing by 53 per cent (850 hectares in 2004 to an estimated 1300 hectares in 2008)

• Restaurants/hotels/bottle shop sales increasing by 15.5% ($2.65M in 2004 compared to $3.06M in 2008)

• Exports increasing by 92 per cent (752,000 in 2004 compared to $1.442M in 2008)

• Total bottle sales increasing by 50 per cent (1.69 million bottles sold in 2004 compared to 2.54 million in 2008)

The Minister said the n ew two-year action plan would also introduce a range of initiatives designed to promote Queensland wine.

"The five-year strategy was a resounding success and the new strategy will build on those achievements," he said.

"The focus will be on industry growth, new infrastructure and new business partnerships between the tourism, food and hospitality industries.

"An education package will be developed to provide restaurants and bottle shops with information about the industry.

"We will also develop an industry training package to help wine makers sell their product to the hospitality industry.

"The plan will also help set up a Winemakers Network in partnership with the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.

"This will help winemakers to enhance their winemaking skills, knowledge and expertise and help promote wine tourism."

"There is huge growth potential in wine tourism.

"Currently more than 90 per cent of our 194 win e producers operate a public cellar door sales outlet," he said.

"Over the next two years the Government will continue to support Queensland winemakers at a range of events, exhibitions, tradeshows and festivals across Queensland.

"We will also hold wine business development workshops and establish a food and wine business support service to help maximise tourism growth in winemaking regions."