Recently approved amendments to Logan City Council’s (LCC) planning scheme will make it easier for new craft brewing business ventures in Logan.
The amendments, which came into effect late last month, allow niche food and drink processors such as microbreweries and coffee roasters to be established in the city.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the changes were about giving certainty to local businesses.
“The Palaszczuk Government is pleased to help council put the framework in place to stimulate local industry and create new jobs,” Mr Dick said.
“Streamlining regulatory requirements around planning and liquor licencing was an action identified in the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy to allow more quality brewers to set-up, grow and thrive.
“Craft beer production in Queensland is already estimated to be worth upwards of $62 million per year, with the local industry employing more than 1700 people.
“In the past five years, independent craft brewing has been the fastest growing segment of the beer market, and we want to see more local brewers like Monkey Tree Brewing tapping into the opportunities created by that growth.”
Director of Strategy and Sustainability at Logan City Council David Hansen said council was pleased to be co-hosting the industry forum as part of collaboration with the Queensland Government on their craft brewing strategy.
“Encouraging niche food and drink offerings is one of Logan City Council’s priorities, and this is outlined in our city’s tourism strategy, the Logan Destination Management Plan,” Mr Hansen said.
“We see the value craft brewing is bringing to the economy, which is why we have changed the planning scheme to make it easier for micro-breweries to establish in the city.”
Owner and operator of Monkey Tree Brewing Dean Forte is one of a growing number of craft or microbrewers excited about the future of Queensland’s independent craft brewing industry.
Employing a small team of around 10 staff, he is keen to expand his business and support the local community and economy by employing and sourcing products locally.
“I know there’s a growing market of beer consumers looking for something unique,” Mr Forte said.
“That’s the joy and love affair with craft beer, and whether you’re a brewer or consumer it’s about appreciation of a product with an artisanal difference in craft and flavour.
“We welcome the release of the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy. It’s provided a sense of direction for independent brewers.”
The Logan Craft Brewing Industry Forum was jointly hosted by the Queensland Government and the Logan Office of Economic Development.
