The spirit is willing, so is Colac
ONE of Australia’s best whiskey distillers is planning to open up a new distillery in Colac.
The Colac Otway Shire will ask for ministerial authorisation to prepare and exhibit an amendment to allow Perth company Whipper Snapper to open a whiskey distillery, restaurant and function centre.
The Colac distillery is expected to be a drawcard for Victorian whiskey lovers, with head distiller Jimmy McKeown named Master Distiller of the Year at Icons of Whisky Australia awards in October.
Whipper Snapper has been turning heads in the spirits world with its red corn whiskey — an Australian first.
Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram said the proposed distillery had the potential to prompt and economic boom in the region.
“The Whipper Snapper application demonstrates the level of interest in Colac and should provide other businesses and investors with confidence in our shire,” Cr Schram said. “There has been a real economic turnaround in Colac; the highway duplication is almost complete, we are seeing new businesses open and existing businesses looking to expand.
“The Whipper Snapper application is the type of proposal that, if approved, could boost local employment and tourism.”
The proposed distillery would sit on an unoccupied 6584 sq m Murray St site, and would also include the development of a restaurant, artcraft centre, function centre, bar and carpark.
The distillery plans to brew an estimated 77,000 litres of whiskey a year, and expects to hire up to 32 staff.
A planning scheme amendment and planning permit application will need to be approved to pave the way for the distillery.