Blue Mile 24 Cannons Pale Ale

Liquor licensing approval is being sought for a 700-person capacity brewery, restaurant and function centre on the foreshore of Busselton in Western Australia.

The long-anticipated Blue Mile Brewery is to be developed by the Credaro Family, of Credaro Family Wines in Margaret River.

Their application for a tavern liquor licence was finally lodged in May, after the project won planning approval from council in late 2014.

Robert Credaro and Phyllis Credaro are the shareholders of holding company Geographe Bay Brewing Co Pty Ltd, and their son Matthew Credaro is managing director.

Another son, Jason Credaro, is a qualified winemaker who worked for five years at Little Creatures in Fremantle, including the role as senior brewer and supervisor.

He has already created a range of Blue Mile beers, which are currently being produced at a brewery situated ten minutes outside of Busselton, according to the Blue Mile Brewery website.

“The venue name ‘Blue Mile’ relates to the heritage listed jetty extending one mile across the stunning blue water of Geographe Bay,” says a Public Interest Assessment lodged with WA’s liquor regulator.

“The applicant proposes to have a showcase microbrewery inside the venue that is interactive and allows patrons to view the brewing process. The brew tanks will be visible inside the venue on both the ground floor and first floor, making them a part of the interior design.”

The document says Blue Mile Brewery will be modelled on premises such as The Shorehouse in Swanbourne, Perth, and The Coogee Pavilion in Sydney.

An artist’s impression of the brewery on the Busselton foreshore

“Our head brewer will produce a range of about eight to ten beers that will be served on tap at the premise and take-away in the cellar door,” it says.

The venue will also have a “brewery-themed family restaurant”, with split dining areas and a large outdoor area, as well as a tasting room for Credaro Family Wines.

According to council documents, it has a total development area of 1505 square metres, with an additional 334 square metres alfresco.

Various local stakeholders have written in support of the liquor licence application, including Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, City of Busselton and Margaret River Wine Association, as well as Libby Mettam, MLA, Member for Vasse.

Consultation for the project closes Monday June 12.