A $135,000 fund introduced by the New South Wales government through the Independent Brewers Association will help craft breweries hit hard by drought, bushfire and COVID-19 access support.
The special support packaging, announced by deputy premier and minister for regional NSW, industry and trade John Barilaro, will cover one year’s annual membership funds for all NSW in independent breweries, including members and non-members.
It will also support the sponsorship for annual conference BrewCon to be held in November, which will help IBA work on behalf of the industry and provide resources and support.
“Two thirds of our state’s craft breweries are located in regional NSW and have been doing it tough throughout COVID as they rely so heavily on tourism and taprooms for survival,” Barilaro said.
“Regional breweries play a significant role providing employment locally and as the focal point for community activities. They also bring additional business and visitors, attracted by their natural ingredients, artisan products and innovation.”
IBA chairman Pete Philip said the association had been working closely with the NSW Government on strategies to help develop the industry, following on the from the NSW Independent Brewers Action Plan.
“If you are not in NSW you might be asking, ‘Nice for NSW, but what's in it for me?’ Well, we will be using the BrewCon contributions to ensure the annual conference is affordable for all members as we know we have all been doing it tough,” said Philip.
“In addition, we will be approaching all of the state Governments to see if they will match NSW's funding so we can extend the free 12-month membership to other states.”
“We cannot thank Deputy Premier John Barilaro enough for his unwavering support of the indie beer industry and his commitment to delivering policy and regulatory changes that are cutting red-tape and delivering long-term benefits for every NSW brewery and its employees. He has also reached out to the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to lend his support to modifying the excise refund scheme for indie brewers and to develop a national strategy.”
Current NSW IBA members will have their membership automatically extended for 12 months, with non-members welcome to contact IBA to access the free membership.
NSW makes up 27 per cent of the craft beer market, with Queensland next in line, making up 23 per cent of the market.
