Brewing up an economic boost

Busselton’s foreshore brewery was the major beneficiary of a WA government cash splash in the South West last week, which aimed to encourage the diversification of the local economy.

Five projects across the region shared in $571,826 through the State’s Regional Economic Development Grants program, of which Geographe Bay Brewing Company received $250,000.

The funding will help fast-track the expansion of the Shelter Brewing Co. brewery on Foreshore Parade and increase its capacity for packaged beer sales.

The grant will be used to buy a brewing system and canning production line to prepare beer on site for national and international markets.

It was not the State’s only investment in the brewing industry, with $150,000 awarded to establish Brugan Brewery as part of the Wokalup Tavern refurbishment.

Busselton’s Vasse Valley Hemp earned $50,000 to develop the first large-scale commercial hemp seed processing facility in WA and the State Government flagged Nannup’s potential as a tourism hotspot by rewarding two South-ern Forest-based initiatives.

The Shire of Nannup got $46,881 for its Nannup Trail Town Infrastructure.

Trail user facilities will be installed at the Foreshore Park to support Nannup to become an accredited Trail Town for cycling, walking, canoeing and horse-riding.

The project includes a multi-purpose wash-down bay, bike maintenance equipment, signs and the construction of a path.

The Southern Forests Blackwood Valley Tourism Association received $74,945 for its industry development project.

Funds will be used to create a unified marketing approach for the region to lead to increased visitation and tourism spending.

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said new hospitality and tourism-based projects would create local jobs and opportunities for the community:

“Brewery projects at Busselton and Wokalup will enhance WA’s craft brewing industry, which is worth $100 million to the State and growing rapidly,” she said. “Boosting local manufacturing capability in the hemp industry will also offer more diversified jobs which go a long way to build stronger and more sustainable regional communities.”