Council voted in favour today to approve a new microbrewery and distillery on Phillip Island which will transform the Rhyll foreshore and boost tourism in the region. It will feature a 90-seat bar and restaurant, a brewery theatre and waterfront views.
The Council's approval followed negotiations around noise mitigation, tree protection, improvements to the energy performance of the buildings, as well as water efficiency and the use of rainwater, stormwater, and recycled water.
The land is on a designated flood prone area and following discussions with Melbourne Water, the floor level height was increased.
The project received $1.2 million in state government funding last year via a Regional Tourism Investment Fund grant.
The project is expected to create around 55 jobs during construction and up to 20 full time jobs after works are complete.
The new brewery and distillery planned for Rhyll will produce about 60,000 litres of beer a year and will make a variety of rums and gins.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan welcomed the decision to give the exciting project the green light.
"Phillip Island is already one of Victoria's favourite tourist destinations and this investment will encourage visitors to stay in our region even longer,'' Cr Whelan said.
"It's great news for jobs, the local economy and the area's growing reputation for food and drink. It is further evidence that Bass Coast is bouncing back strongly from COVID.''
"A focus of the Phillip Island and San Remo Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 was to attract projects which support off-peak and year-round visitation and this development ticks all those boxes.''
