Local brew industry to bloom as Government focus shifts

THE Gold Coast may be on the verge of a microbrewery boom after the Government moves to make it much more affordable.

Dannielle Abrantes from Burleigh Brewing Company celebrating the tax breaks for small brewers. Picture: Jerad Williams

CRAFT brewers on the Gold Coast are raising a glass to news that the Federal Government will cut the tax on small kegs in tomorrow’s Budget.

Treasurer Scott Morrisson last week announced that “outdated and ridiculous” rules that saw beer sold in kegs larger than 48 litres taxed less than smaller kegs favoured by craft brewers would be amended.

Burleigh Brewing Company CEO Peta Fielding said she was relieved that Canberra was finally listening to the sector.

Peta Fielding CEO of Burleigh Brewing, the company she started with husband Brennan about 12 years ago. Peta is also immediate past president of the national independent Brewers Association. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“After 12 years of no one being interested in craft beer, we are seeing some change — which is exciting,” Ms Fielding said.

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“Federally there has been a discussions for a long time about levelling the playing field with the wine industry, to say we are also a sector worthy of support.”

Ms Fielding said the new-found support was all about realising the benefits small manufactures bring to the economy.

“The industry can really contribute wherever it pops up, we have 40 employees now but we started with just the two of us twelve years ago,” the former chair of the Craft Beer Industry Association said.

“That is part of what drives us, if you can provide a job, another family can stay on the Gold Coast.

“And the Gold Coast is leading the charge when it comes to the industry.”

Burleigh Brewing company is one of the Gold Coast’s many craft beer makers set to benefit from a tax break to be announced in the federal budget. Picture: Jerad Williams

In Queensland alone craft beer production is estimated to be worth around $62 million per year and growing, and more than 13 per cent of Australia’s 516 independent breweries are found in the state.

“The Gold Coast is becoming an easier market to get into now different venues are wanting to have craft beer on offer,” Mrs Fielding said.

“It's the rock star principal, you need to get popular somewhere else for people at home to embrace you, and the Gold Coast is really now embracing craft beer.”