Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy

Independent craft brewing is emerging as a vibrant and dynamic sector. It’s growing quickly too, with significant potential to expand locally, nationally and internationally. Queensland’s craft brewers are perfectly positioned to capitalise on the strong reputation of their products, which are already recognised for their brewing techniques and use of artisanal ingredients.

The Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy (PDF, 3.7MB) is a first for Australia, created to support the sector’s rapid expansion. Released in November 2018, the strategy focuses on three priorities:

• Priority 1: Investing in people and infrastructure
• Priority 2: Improving access to markets
• Priority 3: Appropriate regulation and planning

These support the independent craft brewing industry to develop its capability and capacity, access new markets and increase its economic contribution.

While many positive benefits exist from promoting and supporting the craft brewing sector, the government will work with industry to ensure the responsible consumption of alcohol.

The Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy is another way we’re invested in manufacturing, an industry that significantly contributes to our state’s growing economy. Through this industry, we’re creating direct and indirect jobs, attracting private sector investment and facilitating innovation.

Supporting the industry through planning schemes

The department has prepared a fact sheet to ensure local governments can play an effective role in supporting the growth of the industry by incorporating the unique requirements of craft brewers into planning schemes.

• Supporting the craft brewing industry through planning schemes - factsheet (PDF)

Queensland BrewLab

One of the actions from the strategy is the establishment of a BrewLab to help drive quality and innovation in the industry. The Queensland BrewLab is the first of its kind in Australia.

Craft brewing training

The Queensland BrewLab is a functional training site for the Certificate III in Food Processing (Brewing). Delivered through TAFE Queensland, the course gives new or experienced brewers technical and practical understanding of the brewing process.

Visit the TAFE Queensland website to learn more about the course and apply now.

Stay informed

To keep up to date with advanced manufacturing in Queensland email us at advanced.manufacturing@rdmw.qld.gov.au