Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has revealed a record number of boutique breweries and other beverage producers are now operating in Brisbane despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Schrinner said the Brisbane brewing industry had experienced a massive increase over the last decade with the number of licenced beverage manufactures surging from just eight in 2011 to 38 today, generating jobs and creating a new tourism experience.
“Our business owners have faced unprecedented times during this pandemic, with restrictions and lockdowns severely hampering their ability to keep their doors open,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Unfortunately, some businesses have not been able to weather this storm. However, Brisbane’s craft beer industry and other beverage manufacturers have shown their resilience and are emerging from the COVID pandemic intact.
“Not only does this result demonstrate the quality of the brews they are producing in an increasingly competitive industry, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these owners to their craft.
“The award-winning Sea Legs Brewing Co in Kangaroo Point is a great example of the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of the brewing industry and I can’t wait for people to be about to walk across our new green bridge from the city to enjoy what this brewery has to offer.”
As part of our commitment to being Australia’s most small business-friendly local government, the Schrinner Council waived more than $32,000 in beverage manufacturer licence fees last year and has continued to offer discounted fees this year.
The fee waiver and discount initiatives were part of the $58.3 million invested in measures to support small business and economic recovery efforts throughout the pandemic.
Council also supports prospective beverage manufacturers and food businesses by offering a free detailed pre-lodgement service as well as access to environmental health and business liaison officers so they can identify what they’ll need to do to become operational.
“Supporting this emerging manufacturing industry is important because the average brewer employs about 20 people and supports farmers by buying barley and hops,” he said.
Cr Schrinner said the majority of Brisbane’s beverage manufacturers were also outside Brisbane’s CBD.
“These relatively new style of breweries are fantastic for our suburbs,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Along with offering their own craft beer, many of them incorporate great food and live music, making them an excellent option for a night out.
“I want to continue to see this fantastic industry continue to grow because it is helping to make Brisbane a better place to live, work and relax.”
Cr Schrinner said the growing strength of the Brisbane industry is on display in the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards with two beverage makers, Helios Brewing and Milton Rum Distillery, among the finalists.
“Through our Small Business Roundtable, I want opportunities and impediments to growing the number of brewers in Brisbane discussed so we can ensure this industry goes from strength to strength,” he said.
To keep up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane, visit www.adrianschrinner.com.au/brisbane-news.
