Allanson's micro brewery a tourism boost for the region

South-West Minister Mark McGowan today inspected an enterprising new micro-brewery tucked away in the small South-West town of Allanson.

"Allanson is located just outside Collie and is home to Brew 42, which was started up by local residents Chris and Sherri Martin, Alan and Clare Shaw and Andrew Pimm," Mr McGowan said.

"The owners tell me the number 42 was incorporated in the business name because it is 'the answer to life, the universe and everything', according to the popular book 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.' 

"The brewery produces six different types of beer, with the most popular being the 'Red Tail'. The Irish red ale won third prize at the Australian International Beer Awards in Melbourne.

"The brewing is done by a traditional mash process, using all grains and no malt extract, chemicals, preservatives or artificial flavourings.

"The brewery benefited from the Government's recent liquor reforms, which removed some of the red tape impeding its successful operation."

Collie-Wellington MLA Mick Murray said Brew 42 would help boost local employment.

"The brewery opens on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons and is proving to be a real drawcard for the region, with most of its customers coming from outside the Collie area," Mr Murray said.

"And because it is only operating at around 30 per cent capacity, producing around 20,000 litres per year, there is plenty of room for future growth.

"This business is a fantastic example of the positive energy and drive evident in Collie at the moment."