But on the inside, work is well underway converting the former Coles Distribution Centre at South Goulburn into one of the city’s biggest employers.

Tribe Breweries, formerly Stockade Brewco, won approval in 2014 for its new brewery on the corner of Ducks Lane and Hume Street.

It will initially manufacture up to 30 million litres of craft beers annually but will also churn out ciders, soft drinks, RTDs and boutique non-alcoholic beverages for the domestic and overseas markets. It’s expected to employ 30 to 40 people in early stages but eventually up to 150 workers, the majority from Goulburn and district.

Community relations manager Geoff Kettle said some key staff were already onsite, including operations manager Joerris Noll, who had moved to Goulburn, and a master brewer who was helping to oversee set-up.

”It’s really taking shape,” he said.

“From being a big empty building it’s starting to look like a brewery.”

Brewery plans are underway

Council grants fee relief to proposed Goulburn brewery

Inside, the company has installed about 15 vats. It is also building a laboratory, brewhouse, putting in boilers and connecting electrics. Several local firms have been contracted.

Outside, silos for spent grain have been installed and construction has started on a ‘fire road,’ required as part of consent conditions.

Mr Kettle met with council planners about the latter on Monday.

The fit-out is expected to be completed in coming months, with commissioning either by the end of this year or early 2019. Mr Kettle said no firm date had been set for start-up but it was likely to be early next year.

A separate development application will be lodged for a cafe/dining area.

Mayor Bob Kirk toured the site last week with Mr Noll.

“I am constantly asked by members of the community about the progress of Tribe Breweries and when they will be rolling cans and bottles off the production lines,” he said.

“It was fantastic to tour the shed and see how much has been achieved already. Joerris walked us through the site and explained the brewing process which was incredibly interesting.” 

Mr Noll said the operation was currently scoping staff needs and would keep the community informed on recruitment timing.

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