The Wicked Cheese Company's new factory and tasting house at 1238 Richmond Rd Richmond was officially opened today by the Federal Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP.

The facility could not have been built without the support of the Federal Government’s TQUAL grants program. The grant has bridged the gap in funds needed to make the project a reality. Federal, State and Local government bodies have all been fully supportive allowing this project to come together quickly. This support has allowed Wicked Cheese to double its small staff numbers and more jobs are expected.

Ideally situated on the main road to Richmond in the heart of the Coal Valley and nestled amongst many wineries the company showcases not only its own cheeses but many locally produced wines and products. The aim of the new tasting house is to showcase those producers that do not have an outlet of there own. Owner and Head Cheese Maker Ashley McCoy said Wicked Cheese is continually looking for new local products to showcase and help promote.

“We are lucky in Tasmania that we have already established a wonderful reputation for the quality of our cheeses. The Wicked Cheese Company hopes to build on this reputation, and get people excited about cheese,”

“Our Wicked Brie and Camembert is already distributed across Tasmania, and the Mainland. We hope that the new tasting house will help to capture people’s attention and interest in our brand”, Mr McCoy said.

The Australian Government has today released details of the 2012 round of TQUAL funding for tourism businesses. Applications close 19 April 2012.

The TQUAL Grants program provides matched funding of up to $100,000 for tourism development, refurbishment and business improvement projects. Such projects can include:

• Feasibility studies for new product development or extensions to existing business activities;
• Interpretative signage for heritage developments or displays;
• Development or refurbishment of existing tourism product and displays;
• Development of nature-based tourism product including walking trails, eco-huts and cabins; or
• Improvement of online business activities including websites and multi-media displays.

To find out more visit the Dept. of Resources, Energy and Tourism website.