Two brewers have secured nearly $750,000 from the NSW Regional Job Creation Fund.

Hot on the heels of the news that brewers had received more than $5 million in funding from the federal government, four NSW distillers and brewers have secured funding from their state government.

Jervis Bay Brewing and Tumut Brewing joined Magpie Distilling and Cape Byron Distillery as the craft industry recipients of the fund.

“Craft breweries and distilleries are becoming increasingly popular and by supporting these companies to expand their unique product offerings and enter new markets, we’re helping to boost livelihoods and stimulate regional economies,” the NSW Government said in a statement to Brews News.

“We know that Regional NSW is not only the engine room of our state but will be critical to our economic recovery from COVID-19. Key growth sectors like independent breweries will boost local economies and create new iconic tourism experiences.”

Tumut River Brewing Co. received $140,000 from the Job Creation Fund to increase production at its Riverina site by 70 per cent and create seven full-time local jobs. As a result of the funding, it will allow the company to move into a new purpose-built brewing facility with a canning line.

Jervis Bay Brewing Co. received a $600,000 grant from the fund. The Huskisson brewery will be able to expand its production and brewing capabilities with a new brewery over the road at the Woollamia Industrial Estate, as it looks to expand distribution into regional and interstate markets. The investment will create a projected 30 full time jobs.

Another component of the expansion will be on sustainability, including a commercial trial of switcH2’s technology, which aims to turn brewery wastewater into hydrogen for use as fuel.

“It’s been a tumultuous 18 months since we opened with first bushfires then the coronavirus pandemic impacting our operations,” admitted director of business development, Christian Wood.

“With the help of our fantastic customers in the Bay and Basin and beyond, we’ve been able not just to pull through, but to reach a point where it makes sense for us to focus on wholesale.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to showcase world-class beer, produced in regional NSW, across the country. This will benefit our local suppliers, trades and customers who have been so integral to our success so far, and will also help regional industries such as Riverina grain growers, malt suppliers and hop growers.

“We will also provide a facility for contract brewing so that small regional breweries can begin to increase their output, further benefiting the broader industry and supply chains.”

In addition to the breweries, Magpie Distilling received $100,000 towards increasing production of its small-batch craft spirits, and Cape Byron Distillery received $240,000 to diversify its production line and upgrade its lab facilities.

The $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund aims to allow businesses to fast-track growth plans and support job creation, to the tune of a projected 5,000 new jobs across regional NSW.

The NSW Government is the latest to throw its weight behind the state’s regional brewing industry. In WA, regional economic development grants have benefitted brewers such as Rocky Ridge, Cowaramup and Beaten Track Brewery.

A craft beer strategy Queensland and a support package in NSW have also highlighted the growing interest state governments have in their local brewing industries, and the federal government has followed suit with its excise rebate extension.