HIGHLIGHTED in June 2022 as a way to raise spirits, glasses and jobs after the ravages of COVID in regional Victoria, the development of a distillery, beer brewing business and associated restaurant at Rhyll has finally been given the green light.
Approved by the Bass Coast Shire Council at its meeting in February 2023, their granting of a planning permit was set to be challenged at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) at a hearing, starting on Thursday, November 2.
But concessions were made, the objections were withdrawn and a determination was handed down by VCAT last Thursday, October 5, that the hearing had been “vacated”, it’s now full steam ahead with an exciting project that has already been favoured with a generous government grant.
The driving force behind the development of a microbrewery and distillery by the foreshore at Rhyll, Justin Jamieson, is delighted to have been given the all clear.
“It’s pleasing to have the approvals process behind us now and we’re really excited to be able to move quickly onto the build and create a wonderful hospitality experience for the island,” Mr Jamieson said.
“We are hoping to start construction towards the end of this year and if all goes well, be open for summer 2024/2025.
“I’d really like to thank the many people, especially within the Rhyll community, who have reached out over the journey with encouragement and support.”
The approved project allows for:
“Use and development of land for the purpose of a restaurant, industry (Brewery) the sale and consumption of liquor (licensed premises), accommodation, advertising signage and a reduction in car parking in a Mixed Use Zone (MUZI) and Land Subject to Inundation (LSIOI) in accordance with the endorsed plans.”
At the time council approved the project, Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said the brewery, distillery and restaurant project was an exciting addition to Phillip Island.
“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.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula visited the site of the Rhyll Brewery on June 17 last year to announce a $1.2 million investment from the Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund which would create “around 55 jobs during construction and up to 20 full-time jobs after works are complete”.
“A wide range of freshly brewed seasonal craft beer and spirits will be served, while the restaurant’s menu will showcase the very best produce the Phillip Island region has to offer,” he said at the time.
“The facility will also be able to host a range of events including masterclasses with guest brewers and distillers.
“The investment is expected to provide lasting benefits to the foreshore and wider Phillip Island region, including increased visitors for nearby businesses and more local jobs.
“Rhyll is a historically significant fishing village and the Rhyll Brewery and Distillery has been designed to reflect this history.
“The Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector.
Minister Pakula said: “Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s favourite tourist destinations and that’s why we’re supporting projects that encourage more visitors to the region.”
As well as offering a chance to stop and chill by the tranquil waters of Rhyll, the brewery and distillery is aiming to become a tourist attraction in its own right, showcasing the process of making beer and distilling spirits on site.
Among other conditions handed down by the shire include that:
- All finished floor levels to be no lower than 600mm above the applicable 2100 1% AEP flood level of 2.94 metres to AHD. FFL should be to the satisfaction of the relevant authority.
- No more than 90 patrons are permitted on the premises at any one time without the prior written consent of the Responsible Authority.
