Major plans revealed for Joe Prendergast’s Dusty Hill Winery
A major expansion for a Queensland winery has been approved, supported by a $2.25m state government grant, as the venue’s owner faces several unrelated rape and sexual assault charges.
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Dusty Hill Winery will undergo a major expansion, including new dining and event facilities, after receiving council approval and a $2.25m state grant.
The South Burnett Regional Council approved a significant development application in June for Joe Prendergast’s Dusty Hill Winery, paving the way for a major expansion of the popular destination.
The move comes as Mr Prendergast faces unrelated rape and sexual assault charges in a South Burnett court.
The approved plans include the addition of a cafe, restaurant, cellar door and tasting room, a chapel, and a cooperage where barrels are traditionally built.
The council granted a development permit for material change of use for a function facility and food and drink outlet, along with a development permit for reconfiguring a lot for access easement at 20 Fork Hill Dr and 80 and 89 Waterview Dr, Moffatdale.
Additionally, at no cost to the council, the unsealed section of Waterview Drive will be upgraded through to the Dusty Hill Winery.
This will include a new sewage treatment system and 245 sealed parking spaces.
These new applications were approved on June 19, less than two months after the council voted to approve a material change of use application at the Dusty Hill Winery.
The new application included some amendments from the April application, including extending operation hours from 6am to midnight.
Council CEO Mark Pitt said in April that Dusty Joe’s Pty Ltd, owned by Mr Prendergast, received a $2.25m grant from the state government to support the development.
Mr Prendergast has already invested several million dollars into the project, which had been under council review for several years.
He also owns the Goomeri Grand Hotel, which in 2023 submitted a development application with the Gympie Regional Council for a facelift and expansion.
Mr Prendergast is currently facing a number of charges in Murgon Magistrates Court, unrelated to his business activities.
In June 2023, following an investigation by the Murgon police, Mr Prendergast was charged with 11 counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one attempted indecent assault of a child under 16.
He is yet to enter a plea to the charges.
The next mention of the case in the Murgon court is scheduled for November 5.
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