Beer is on the menu and it’s brewing good news for the Great Ocean Road visitor economy thanks to support provided today by the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, today announced the $1.49 million grant towards the Forrest Brewing Co to expand its operations, creating 15 new jobs and diversifying the Great Ocean Road’s hinterland tourism offering.
Forrest Brewing Co will use the grant to relocate to a 5.7 acre site in town that will allow the company to increase its brewing capacity and also expand its cellar door and tourism offerings.
The project will capitalise on the rapidly growing interest in culinary tourism and is expected to nearly double the number of visitors, from 25,000 to almost 50,000, within four years.
The popular craft brewery has reached maximum production capacity at its existing site. The planned new brewery will be capable of producing up to 300,000 litres of beer per annum, which will help the company meet increasing demand and expand its market.
The new site will also feature an 80-seat restaurant space and a 120 seat function space, suitable for hosting both private and festival style events. It will also include 20 eco-units with accommodation for up to 120 people.
The town of Forrest has already seen the dramatic impact the brewery has had on the local economy since it opened in 2010. With more people visiting the brewery, the project will have flow on effects to the region’s other local businesses.
The visitor economy is crucial to the future economic development of regional and rural Victoria with the sector contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs annually.
The Labor Government’s flagship Regional Tourism and Infrastructure Fund is investing in growing the visitor economy across regional Victoria by facilitating the development of iconic regional tourism projects that create world-class tourism experiences, create jobs and boost the local economies.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Culinary tourism is a rapidly growing sector within the tourism industry and visitors are seeking authentic and unique experiences like the Forrest Brewing Company’s craft brewery, cellar door and accommodation.”
“This is good news for those wanting to experience a true cellar door experience and even better news for local jobs, with the project expected to generate at least 15 new jobs.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is getting it done when it comes to maximising our paddock to plate experiences and we are proud to showcase our internationally renowned craft beers and local wines.”
“Our hinterland and Forrest region has so much to offer and is rich with natural beauty. I am proud to be part of a Government driving growth and tourism in my region.”
“Through our Regional Tourism and Infrastructure Fund, we’re accelerating the delivery of investment-ready, high-impact tourism projects that will help drive visitation to regional Victoria, create jobs and boost the economy.”