Craft brewery consolidation continues as Brisbane’s Ballistic Beer Co has today announced it has added two breweries to its growing venue portfolio.

The Salisbury-based brewery, which already operates a brewbar at Springfield west of Brisbane and a bar at West End, has said it has purchased the Whitsunday Island Brewing Company, Airlie Beach and Bargara Brewing, Bundaberg.

The move follows Black Hops purchase of Brisbane’s Semi-Pro late last year.

Ballistic, part of the Mighty Crafty portfolio, said the inclusion of the two established breweries will boost its brewing capacity and expects it will drive group sales by 20 per cent in the next 12 months.

“Ballistic has seen steady growth in its five years of operation and building our presence in North and Central Queensland is central to our goal of becoming Queensland’s leading independent brewer,” Ballistic CEO David Kitchen said.

“Bundaberg and the Whitsundays have thriving populations that are also domestic and international tourist destinations,” he says.

“And they are underserved by craft brewers, which presents a golden and frothy opportunity for our award-winning Ballistic brands of craft beers.”

Ballistic has seen a focus on local communities as being important to its growth and says the acquisitions of Bargara and Whitsunday will see the company working with the local staff and management to help foster and grow that attachment and loyalty.

The Whitsunday Island Brewery will undergo some minor refitting and brewery upgrading with the help of local trades and staff.

A statement by the company said Bargara’s established brands like Thirsty Turtle Lager and Rusty Roo Red Ale will continue to be an integral part of the continued offering in the Wide Bay area, together with locally brewed Ballistic beers.

“It will be rewarding to work with Jack and Jacinta Millbank who made Bargara Brewing what it is – and now take it to the next level. It will be a place that locals can support and craft beers that they will be proud of,” says Kitchen.