Spinifex Brewing Company responds to critics of its $1.98m government grant to build a microbrewery in Broome

A Broome beer company has hit back at criticism after it was awarded a $1.98 million government grant to help build a microbrewery saying it will not be a part of the alcohol problem in the Kimberley.

When Spinifex Brewing Company was awarded the Innovation Attraction Fund grant to help build a microbrewery on Cable Beach readers took to the Broome Advertiser’s Facebook page to express either their support or shock.

The post received 138 likes but there were also 66 mostly negative comments including from Dave McGowan who wrote: “Pretty lost values when the gov have all the restrictions in town and the northwest and then give $2m to make sure more grog is available.”

James Moffatt wrote: “Does that mean the beers will be cheaper?”

The Aboriginal Family Legal Service has also weighed into the debate questioning the Government’s awarding of the grant when it has legislation before Parliament to ban problem drinkers from buying alcohol in the Kimberley.

“It is interesting that Government is promoting that this legislation has, in part, been designed to address alcohol-fuelled family violence, yet they support the opening of a new brewery in the Kimberley, where rates of family and domestic violence continue to rise and where Aboriginal women and children continue to be victimised,” a statement from AFLS read.

Spinifex Brewing Company chief executive Adam Barnard has responded to the criticism, and said it would be a family-friendly craft brewery and would be consistent with their mission to provide “zero harm and maximum benefits to Aboriginal communities”.

Spinifex has chosen to apply for a restricted liquor licence for the microbrewery which will not allow it to sell takeaway alcohol onsite, forgoing what could have been a very profitable part of the business.

“We are well aware of some of the challenges associated with packaged liquor in our local community,” Mr Barnard said.

“We take great pride in the significant financial benefit we have provided Aboriginal farming enterprises including on the Dampier Peninsula through the harvest of Gubinge which is infused into our non-alcoholic Ginger Beer as well as other native bush ingredients sourced from Aboriginal farming enterprises.

“As our predominantly mid-strength beer range would attest, we consider ourselves to be a responsible business and we know that the town has no challenges whatsoever with on-premise, responsible consumption of liquor.”

A spokesman for Premier Roger Cook’s office said the microbrewery would support local tourism and create jobs.

“It will be a welcome addition to the tourism offering in Broome, and one that we are proud to support;” the spokesman said.

“All licensees are required to comply with relevant liquor restrictions, but it is important to remember that liquor restrictions are designed to reduce alcohol-related harm, not to punish licensees or the community.”

Nyul Nyul man Robert Dann, who has a commercial partnership with Spinifex Brewing Company selling his Bindam Mie bush food and drinks, also defended the public funding of the microbrewery.

A packaging facility for his Gubinge and Boab Aboriginal bush foods is planned for the site.

“What Spinifex is doing with the microbrewery, it is creating employment here in the Kimberley, especially in Broome,” he said.

“Our young kids can go out and get a bit of money collecting fruits. And it’s a pathway to more training as well.”