Logan rises as micro-brewing hub after laws relaxed

Looking for a boutique beer or freshly roasted coffee? Logan is set to become the ‘go to’ place after the state approved council cuts to red tape for small businesses.

Monkey Tree owner Dean Forte, right, shows off a boutique brew to State Development Minister Cameron Dick at his Compton Rd, Underwood, brewery. PHOTO: JUDITH KERR

LOGAN could soon become the “go-to” spot for boutique breweries, coffee bars and cheesemakers.

This week, the state government approved amendments to Logan’s planning scheme making it easier for new craft brewing business ventures, such as Underwood’s Monkey Tree Brewing, to set up in the city.

The state-approved relaxation of industry thresholds will cut red tape for small businesses trying to get planning permission.

BOTTOMS UP FOR BOUTIQUE BREWERIES

Under the new rules, there will also be lower costs to set up small businesses and niche food and drink processors, such as microbreweries and coffee roasters.

Barriers for low, medium and high-impact industries were also relaxed but without compromising emission standards.

The planning scheme was also amended to allow changes to laws governing auxiliary units and to align local council mapping with the state’s Shaping SEQ 2017 Planning policy.

State Development Minister Cameron Dick announced the changes to the brewing laws at a joint Logan council and state government industry forum at the Underwood microbrewery on Friday.

He said the state was pleased to help council put the framework in place to stimulate local industry and create new jobs.

Monkey Tree Brewery at Compton Rd, Underwood is one of Logan’s niche boutique breweries. PHOTO: JUDITH KERR

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Logan City Council officers with Cameron Dick at Monkey Tree Brewery.

Monkey Tree owner and operator Dean Forte welcomed the changes and said the release of the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy gave independent brewers a “sense of direction”.

Mr Forte, who employs 10 staff, said he was keen to expand his Compton Rd niche brewery.

“I know there’s a growing market of beer consumers looking for something unique,”

he 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.”

Council’s strategy and sustainability director David Hansen said boosting the niche brewing industry in Logan was a priority and formed a large part of the city’s tourism strategy.