The iconic and historic XXXX Brewery in Milton will continue to operate after it secured a 15-year extension of its current registration. The brewery will also receive protection from civil and criminal proceedings should neighbours complain about nuisance odour and noise.
The State Government has approved the registration extension, a move that it says will secure 150 local jobs.
“I have approved an extension to the current registration, under section 267 of the Planning Act, to allow the brewery to continue to operate,” said Minister for Planning Cameron Dick.
“While I don’t make these decisions lightly, my top priority as Minister is to secure and grow jobs in Queensland,” Mr Dick said.
“This 15-year extension will give certainty to the company, so it can continue to operate into the future within approved limits.
“More importantly, this decision provides certainty to the 150 workers at the brewery, and their families.”
In making the decision, Mr Dick recognises the part that XXXX played in the city’s history.
“This enables Lion to continue operating from the same premises that has been home to XXXX for more than 140 years, by ensuring that existing uses on the site can continue, even as the area experiences growth intensification,” he said.
Mr Dick also said that it is important to make sure that significant uses such as the XXXX brewery can continue to exist even with the resurgence in inner-city living.
“In more recent years Milton has seen an increase in new residential and commercial buildings and the urban encroachment registration is about confirming the expectations for the brewery and residents and tenants in the surrounding area,” he said.
The minister called the decision a balanced and reasonable outcome for all parties.
Addressing Environmental Impact Issues
Despite the extended protection, Ian Roberts, Lion Group’s Supply Chain Director, insists that the brewery is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
Mr Roberts said that they have spent millions of dollars since 2009 to minimise the brewery’s environmental impact.
“Just a few weeks ago we completed a $2 million solar project, which will reduce our annual carbon emissions by 1260 tonnes,” Roberts said.
“We have also significantly reduced our already low noise and light emissions, all of which are well within the limits allowed under our development consents, in order to continue being great neighbours.
“20 years ago, Milton looked very different to how it does today. Previously it had been an industrial epicentre, but its proximity to the Brisbane CBD made it the perfect location for high-density residential developments” added Roberts.
Previously, XXXX Brewery Milton faced labour disputes as employees staged strikes as they worried about job security.
