Broo Ltd has announced plans to build “the world’s greenest brewery” in Ballarat, Victoria, which would also be one of the biggest breweries in Australia.

Two days after entering a trading halt, the company today informed the ASX it had acquired 15 hectares of industrial land within the new Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) Industrial Park from Major Projects Victoria, at a cost of $2.16 million.

“The company has engaged Krones to plan and pre-engineer the Broo Brewery on the proposed Ballarat site,” the announcement says.

“A submission has been received from Krones with final plant layout and an indicative quotation for brewery plant and packing services at approximately $95 million.

“The planned production capability will be up to 480 million bottles per year, making it one of Australia’s largest breweries.”

Broo At Ballarat

The ASX documents were completely silent on how the project will be financed, nor did they provide any sales projections that would explain the need for such a large brewery.

A company spokesman told Australian Brews News it will be facilitated by a combination of debt finance and government grants, the details of which will be revealed at a later date.

‘One Planet’ approach
Broo says the Ballarat brewery will showcase its “One Planet approach to co-existence”.

“Broo is committed to preserving our environment, conserving our resources and using our energy efficiently whilst reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and creating a manufacturing plant with a zero carbon footprint,” it says.

“Green Brewing” initiatives at the site will include rainwater harvesting, water recycling and re-use, and 100 per cent renewable energy using solar, wind turbines and bio-gas.


Broopub and beer museum
The project will include a visitor centre, the cornerstone of which will be the Australian Beer Museum, whichwill showcase “the development of beer and brewing from the first fleet and the gold rush era to the present day”.

“The full range of beers produced at the brewery will be available for tasting and endless discussion in the Brewery Bar and Tasting Room,” the company says.

“The brewery bar and restaurant will offer simple ‘pub fare’ with a distinctly Australian style.”

The project will include a visitor centre and taproom

Jaala Pulford, Victoria’s Minister for Regional Development, said the project will have a significant impact on the regional economy.

“Regional Development Victoria advise us to expect the potential for upwards of 75,000 domestic and 25,000 international visitors per year to the region, providing an increase in tourism with an estimated value to be $28 million per annum, which is an incredible boost to our local region,” she said.

The Minister could not be contacted for further comment on the project, for which construction will startin February 2018.