Terella Brewing to Close Amid Prolonged Land Use Dispute with Sunshine Coast Council
Terella Brewing, a venue located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, has announced its impending closure. The decision is attributed to a prolonged land use dispute with the Sunshine Coast Council. The council maintains that its compliance actions were necessary to ensure adherence to planning laws, citing a lack of appropriate approvals for the brewery's expanded operations.
The Sunshine Coast Council maintains its compliance actions were necessary to ensure adherence to planning laws, citing a lack of appropriate approvals for the brewery's expanded operations.
Background
Terella Brewing commenced operations in 2019 at its site on 196 Bunya Road, North Arm. The property had received development approval in 2016 solely for intensive horticulture. In 2019, a letter from the Sunshine Coast Council indicated that a small-scale brewery using on-site ingredients might qualify as a "rural industry" not requiring a separate development approval. However, this approval did not permit public sales of food or drinks.
Throughout its operation, the venue regularly hosted outdoor markets, family events, animal encounters, and live music.
Escalation of Dispute
In 2023, a neighbor filed a noise and traffic complaint regarding the venue. Concurrently, the Sunshine Coast Council reported receiving complaints from residents and businesses concerning issues such as parking, road safety, noise, and waste management related to events held at the brewery. Council inspections reportedly identified activities operating without the required approvals, including large public events.
Following these inspections, the council issued a show-cause notice, which was subsequently followed by an enforcement notice regarding the venue's permits. The enforcement notice reportedly required Terella to cease food trucks, other additional activities, and brewing by a specific date.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Impact
Terella Brewing applied for a material change of use for its site and simultaneously appealed the council's enforcement notice in the Planning and Environment Court. After more than 12 months in the development application process and incurring legal and application fees, Terella withdrew its planning request.
Owner Brandt Bamford stated that these escalating costs, which he described as over $169,000 and "hundreds of thousands of dollars" according to different accounts, contributed significantly to the withdrawal and the business's decision to close.
On February 17, Terella Brewing sent a letter to the council stating its intent to operate within its originally approved rural industry (brewery) use. Nine days later, on February 26, the owners announced the closure via social media, citing ongoing financial and legal pressures.
On February 27, Terella consented to final orders in the Planning and Environment Court, which largely upheld the enforcement notice. Separate proceedings alleging breaches of the Planning Act 2016 are scheduled for the Magistrates Court on April 15 and 16. Mr. Bamford has expressed hope that the council will drop these remaining legal actions.
Owner Brandt Bamford stated that escalating costs, described as over $169,000 and "hundreds of thousands of dollars," contributed to the withdrawal of the planning request and the business's decision to close.
Conflicting Statements on Approvals and Operations
Council's Position
Sunshine Coast Council chief executive John Baker stated that the dispute stemmed from the brewery's lack of appropriate approvals for its expanded operations. Mr. Baker clarified that operating busy weekend food markets or live music venues in residential areas without proper approvals, insurances, traffic management, or safety controls is considered unfair to neighbors and other businesses that comply with regulations. Mayor Rosanna Natoli acknowledged the court dispute and stated the council's focus on fairness, safety, and a level playing field for businesses within the community. The council reiterated that its actions were necessary to ensure the consistent application of planning rules across the region.
Brewery Owner's Response
Brandt Bamford disputed the council's claim of insufficient approvals. He stated that Terella Brewing possesses necessary insurances and holds a full Office of Liquor and Gaming license with conditions for manufacturing, retail, and on-site consumption, which he argued implied council approval. Mr. Bamford also stated that the company had conducted traffic management studies, which he indicated were witnessed by a council compliance officer, and had made efforts to collaborate with the council on traffic and acoustic noise monitoring.
Employment Impact
Brandt Bamford indicated that 40 staff members would lose their jobs as a result of the brewery's closure. He also stated that he would lose his life savings due to the financial impact of the dispute.