By JONATHON HOWARD
LOCALLY brewed beer could soon be flowing from a microbrewery in Severnlea, after Southern Downs Regional Councillors voted in favour of the venture.
Brass Monkey Brewhouse Pty Ltd applied to council for a material change of use of 106 Donges Road, which is a 3.8 hectare property that contains a dwelling and a shed.
The applicant proposed converting the existing shed into a nanobrewery, including cellar door, for the production of an estimated 60,000 litres of beer.
Councillors were asked to consider the application during the council’s monthly general meeting on 28 August.
Council documents revealed that the operation would consist of three small stainless steel vats and a number of fermenters.
“The only waste products from this operation are barley and hops, which is sold as a natural feed to livestock. The brew master will collect barley and hops products from Brisbane on a weekly basis,” the council documents read.
Sales from the proposed business will operate from Thursday to Monday, from 10am until
6pm, capturing tourists in the region.
As a microbrewery, it will only sell beer produced at the facility itself. No other brands of beer or other alcohol will be for sale from the premises, nor will there be any functions held as part of the proposed development.
Councillors voted in favour of the proposed change of use under several conditions including maintaining rural codes, addressing any traffic concerns and environmental impacts.
