Vic Labor has promised to boost regional breweries, protect regional festivals and back regional live music if it is returned to power.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced a commitment of $3million towards establishing a grant program, developed with the Independent Brewers Association, to support beer tourism.
He said a regional brewery was more than somewhere to get a beer, it was also a manufacturer, a cellar door, a tourist attraction and a local employer – all under one roof.
The grant program will support visitor infrastructure, accessibility, signage, tours, tastings, family-friendly amenities and destination packaging that increases visitation and length of stay.
IBA Member Engagement Officer Jono Outred said: “With around 147 independent breweries operating in Victoria, indirectly employing around 7500 people, we know that breweries have created destinations that bring real value to the local economies in regional areas.”
Owner and founder of Sailor’s Grave Brewing Chris Moore (pictured main) said: “We founded Sailor’s Grave based on the philosophy that our beer would be shaped by the agricultural and maritime history of the Deep Sou’East of Gippsland. Our coastal farmhouse brewery in Dunetown brings together visitors and locals over great beer local food and art.
“A tourism grant to help enhance our visitor experience would be incredibly welcome, we know there is always more we can do to attract tourists to our area, and every dollar spent at our brewery goes back into our local community.”
Protecting regional festivals
Labor also said regional festivals bring thousands of people into our towns – filling hotels, pubs, restaurants and local shops.
But putting one on has become harder due to rising insurance costs, extreme weather and council permit issues.
Labor has promised to deliver a $2 million Protecting Regional Festivals Fund, with half going to live music festivals and the other half to regional cultural festivals.
Additionally, regional music will be backed by regional touring grants to attract acts, following Lenny Kravitz performing in Mildura and Good Charlotte performing in Bendigo last year.
If re-elected, Labor said it will create The $4 million grants will directly support local promoters – the people who book the rooms and sell the tickets.
Labor said it believed in a leg up for breweries, bandrooms and festivals because they bring visitors and jobs to Victoria.
Premier Ben Carroll said: “My new direction for the economy starts in our local communities and the places we all love to go.
“When a band tours regional Victoria, the pub sells more beer, accommodation fills up and the local café has a queue out the door. That’s what this is all about – jobs.”
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said: “Regional breweries, festivals and music venues bring people together, bring visitors in and support local jobs.”
“And it’s not just about tourists – regional Victorians shouldn’t have to drive to Melbourne for a great weekend.”