The Andrews Labor Government is supporting a craft brewery to keep its workers safe while doubling its brewing capacity and securing local jobs.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today opened Blackman's Brewery's new site in Grovedale which was supported by the Labor Government's $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan.
Blackman's Brewery is a wholesale beer production company which is independently owned and operates out of three venues, including its original site in Torquay and Ocean Grove.
Blackman's Brewery has been able to adapt to changing environments and meet COVIDSafe standards by opening its new and larger premise in Geelong.
The project, which has supported 43 full-time hospitality jobs, enables the business to segregate its entire wholesale production facility if needed and prevent any potential impact on its primary business - brewing beer.
The company, which sources its primary ingredients in Victoria, supplies 150 wholesale customers including independent bottle shops and large retailers. The additional brewing capacity means it can expand as demand for its product grows, giving it a cutting edge in the competitive craft beer market.
The $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan is supporting businesses in regional, rural and outer metropolitan areas within key agriculture and food processing industries through job-matching, case management, worker relocation needs, transport and training.
The project is part of the Labor Government's almost $30 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria since 2015. Find out more at rdv.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"Blackman's Brewery is an award-winning local business, providing local jobs and enhancing the region's economy. Our investment will help them to further expand their presence in the competitive craft beer market."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"We are supporting local businesses to grow, creating secure local jobs which help to build a thriving and sustainable tourism economy in South Barwon."
As stated by Blackman's Brewery Co-Founder Renn Blackman
"Opening the Grovedale site has had a hugely positive impact on our business, it's allowed us to continue to grow rapidly and get more Blackman's beers in people's hands across Australia."
