Construction of the Rhyll Brewery and Distillery will go ahead despite a loud minority opposition

The owner of a new business in Rhyll is ready to go, after his proposal was passed, despite getting some grief from a small amount of locals.

A Covid dream is finally coming to life after the planning permit for the Rhyll Brewery and Distillery was approved on Wednesday.

The new business owner Justin Jamieson said after push back from a small percentage of the community he was happy to see the approval come thorough.

“I saw the land (for the brewery) pre-Covid and then kind of watched the craft beer revolution take off and I just thought it would be perfect,” he said back in June 2022, when the plans were announced.

Some locals have been staunchly opposed to the development with 44 objections however, amongst Rhyll’s population of 600, Mr Jamieson said this was a “small percentage”.

Justin Jamieson, Minister Martin Pakula, Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale at the new Rhyll brewery and distillery site.

In response to these objections, the venue will not host live music and will have a full acoustic report done which will cover everything from patron noise to beeper sounds from delivery trucks.

A full schedule of construction will also have to be submitted before work is allowed to begin, in order to minimise impacts on surrounding residents and businesses.

Opening hours will be consistent with the existing licenced premises, just next door.

Carparking and traffic management was also another key concern lodged by objectors and councillors.

Bass Coast Council required the development to have 36 car parks however, the developer sought a reduction of 31 spaces, meaning they would only have to provide five car parks.

A compromise was reached after a Traffic Engineering Assessment by Traffix Group was provided and decided only 25 spaces needed to be supplied.

Councillor David Rooks said a car parking review would be undertaken with the next two years to ensure there was adequate parking.

Despite his concerns in regards to parking he said the development “recognises the history of the area” and will be away from the “majority of residential properties”.

Councillor Ron Bauer was also in support of the project and said it “wouldn’t make sense to knock it back due to smell or noise concerns”.

However, Mr Bauer was also concerned about car parking.

“It is said there is lots of informal parking in the Rhyll township but I don’t think residents should be inconvenienced,” he said.

The lower level of the $4m development will include a restaurant, bars, brewhouse and space for 90 patrons, including outdoor dining.

The first floor will include a conference room, kitchenette for staff, one bedroom with ensuite and staff bathroom.

The proposed Rhyll Brewery.

Before its election in November the Labor government committed $1.2m to the business which would see more local jobs created.

Tourism Minister Martin Pakula said this would be “another reason to stay even longer on Phillip Island”.

The planning application submitted to council echoes these sentiments and said the business would “diversify the economy”.

“It will improve access to jobs and encourage development that meets the needs of the community for retail and other commercial services,” the proposal reads.

“The proposal will strengthen the local economy by encouraging more people to frequent the local area not only to visit the brewery but also surrounding businesses and amenities. The business intends to employ locals and will provide an additional retail/commercial offering to serve the needs of the local community.

“The microbrewing industry is a niche market and recent rise in popularity ensures that it will be an economically competitive business for the local area.”

Despite some locals clinging to the argument the brewery will be detrimental to the character of Rhyll, council doesn’t share the concern.

“It is not considered that a microbrewery/restaurant of this scale will tarnish the identity of Rhyll. While it may attract increased visitors to the area, there is no evidence to suggest that it will result in increased Airbnbs or will ruin the quiet and small-town atmosphere that is treasured by locals,” the proposal read.

The Rhyll Community Association canvased the community and received a 90% vote in favour of the project.