Tasmanian brothers hope to transform central Tasmanian town with $3.5 million rum distillery

A $3.5 million rum distillery has been proposed for a small Southern Tasmanian town to "bring new life" to the region.

Concept images for a new rum distillery at New Norfolk. Picture: THOMAS BAILEY, ROOM 11.

A $3.5 MILLION rum distillery has been proposed for a small Southern Tasmanian town to “bring new life” to the region.

Once completed the project is expected to generate about 50 jobs and boost tourism to New Norfolk, according to the proponent — New Norfolk Distillery.

A development application for the first stage of the project has been lodged with Derwent Valley Council.

It aims to partly convert a room within the Allonah building at the historic Willow Court into a micro rum distillery.

It will include the installation of a 300 litre still, four fermenters, a cold water tank and a tasting bar.

According to planning documents, the micro distillery will operate Monday-Thursday.

Meanwhile the tasting bar will open Thursday-Monday from noon until 6pm with later closing times proposed for Friday and Saturday.

The project is the brainchild of three New Norfolk brothers.

Justin Derksen — the builder; Kelvin Derksen-Luelf — the chief financial officer; and Tarrant Derksen — the distiller.

The trio say they have got the ball rolling on the micro distillery so it can begin producing rum sooner.

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Justin said stage two of the development will include the main portion of the rum distillery and another bar in the courtyard between the Allonah and the Occupational Therapy buildings.

“These buildings are the heart of New Norfolk,” Justin said.

“It will increase tourism to the area and give these buildings some love that they are desperately in need of.

“Australia has a deep history with rum and it is ingrained in our colonial culture.”

Justin has previously told the Mercury the idea to create Tasmania’s first rum distillery in more than 150 years came from a desire to see a positive change in New Norfolk and “bring new life” to the region.

The DA is now out for public consultation with submissions closing at 5pm, May 4.

A development application for the second stage will be lodged if and when the first stage is approved.

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