Night of nights for Queensland’s brewing enthusiasts

Queensland’s best craft brewers were thrust into the spotlight last night, as the industry’s version of the Oscars, the Beeries Gala Awards, rolled into Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Beeries recognises those committed to expanding and improving Queensland’s craft brewing industry.

“The Beeries is a prime opportunity to get key stakeholders from Queensland’s beer and brewing industries gathered under one roof to celebrate the achievements of this sector as we work together towards strengthening and building the industry, which is worth around $62 million a year to the state’s economy,” he said.

“Events like The Beeries are a great chance to shine a spotlight on the innovative work happening now in the craft brewing space and paint a bright picture of where the industry is heading for the future.”

Minister Dick presented the event’s top award, the Gold Beery for Best Community Contributor to Kerry Claydon from Chicks With Ales (CWA), an all-female group of passionate beer lovers who encourage greater industry involvement from females.

“CWA is a group run by women, for women, brought together by the love of good beer, and they are inspiring women to become involved in the beer community, which is encouraging and positive for the industry overall,” he said.

“It was a tough contest though with Helios Brewing a close second, nominated for its process and system to maximise energy and water efficiency, minimise waste and its carbon footprint, while capitalising on renewable natural energy.”

Minister Dick said Queensland’s craft brewing industry is continuing to grow and the Palaszczuk Government’s Craft Brewing Strategy, set to be delivered by the end of the year, will support the industry continuing to expand and employ more Queenslanders.

"Our Government has identified the independent craft brewing sector as a valuable economic contributor, which is bursting with potential and scope to expand locally, interstate and even overseas,” he said.

“We know there are around 80 homegrown craft brewing operations around Queensland, yet they make up only about 11 per cent of our state’s beer industry, compared with higher levels in other states.

“The sector is growing fast and we need to keep pace by continuing to create opportunities for Queenslanders in this industry.

“We are focused on supporting and working with industry to identify ways to enhance development of this sector, and that’s what our craft brewing strategy is designed to do.”

Beeries Gala Awards event coordinator Marty Keetels said Queensland's small breweries have made great progress in recent years and the Beeries recognises those across different award categories, including Best Brewer, Best New Brewery and Best Beer Tender.

"These small brewers have created an industry that is recognised as being on par with the best anywhere in the country and the Beeries is a great opportunity to get everyone together,” Mr Keetels said.

“A well-conceived Craft Beer Strategy will be invaluable to secure the industry's future.

“Having a coordinated approach to industry training, tourism promotion and licensing and red tape reduction, as has been done with the State's wine industry, will be welcomed."

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039