Shire of Harvey gives green light to allow for microbrewery to be built at The Village Australind

A long-vacant automotive parts store is set to get a new lease on life, with the cobwebs set to be replaced by the smell of craft beer. The Shire of Harvey has given the green light to plans by Adrift Brewing for a microbrewery within The Village Australind shopping centre. Under the approval proposal, the company will be able to serve up to 100 customers at a time, with plans to serve meals alongside alcohol. The microbrewery would fill the vacancy left when the Discount Auto Parts store in Australind closed its doors in August 2017. Speaking at last month’s meeting, company representative Cas Watling told elected members there were substantial differences between the proposed development and nearby Treendale Farm Hotel. “We are aiming for a considerably smaller, quieter operation,” she said. “Our focus will be more on high quality products, attracting craft beer enthusiasts and people with an appreciation for great foods.” The council received 25 submissions during the 28-day consultation period, with 18 supporting the proposal, one giving conditional support and six objecting. Nearby resident Marylin Westaway expressed her concerns about a lack of public consultation, claiming “nobody knew” about the development until she received a letter about it from the Shire a month before the close of submissions. “I’ve never encountered such apathy and the main comment seems to be ‘why bother when the deal’s done’,” she said. “I’m not just referring to this project, but others during my time here.” Ms Westaway raised a number of other concerns, including traffic congestion from the proposal and the existing Chicken Treat restaurant. But the objections were brushed off by council, with the development being approved unanimously. While Cr Craig Carbone said he understood Ms Westaway’s concerns, he thought the microbrewery was a worthy development for the area. “I think it’s a great enhancement,” he said. “As far as traffic issues go, I don’t see it being a problem. A lot of people don’t even drive to the pub these days, they get dropped off.” Deputy president John Bromham noted the council did not want to be in a position where its decision was overturned by the State Administrative Tribunal. “The objections made on traffic, noise or smell are things that can be managed and they’re outside of our scope as far as business is concerned,” he said. “Our position as council is to say whether it’s a use permissible for that area, which it is.”