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I 17 March 2026
Happy 100th Birthday to a Cooroy local legend Pages 8 & 9
Terella Brewing Company at North Arm has closed following a long-running land-use dispute with council. The farm-style venue was a favourite for locals and visitors, known for its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly events.
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Terella Brewing closure saddens hinterland community BY SARAH JANE SCOTT THE closure of Terella Brewing Company at North Arm following a lengthy land-use dispute with Sunshine Coast Council has left many in the hinterland community saddened and disappointed. Known for its relaxed farmstyle setting and family-friendly atmosphere, the brewery had become a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Its closure has also sparked wider questions about the challenges facing hospitality businesses across the Sunshine Coast,
especially after the recent closures of Solbar at Marochydore, The Station at Birtinya, and Sarah’s Unplugged in Maleny. Head brewer at Terella, Brandt Bamford, said the long-running legal battle with council had taken a heavy emotional and financial toll. “Absolutely gut wrenching. Our staff are like our family. To watch something they have all had a hand creating be systematically dismantled by the council and bureaucracy is devastating,” he said. Brandt said the reality of closure became clear as legal costs
continued to escalate: “when our legal bills were mounting, and the council refused to mediate and find a way through all of this”. Terella had built a strong following as a place where families could gather in a relaxed rural setting, something Brandt said had always been central to the vision. “I started all of this for the sole purpose of creating a Margaret-River-style brewery – a place for families and community to gather,” he said. “I grew up in a small mining town in the Pilbara that had a real sense of community. It was missing from the Coast, so we set out to create
it. It never really was just about the beer; that was just a bonus.” Many locals have expressed concern about the loss of a venue that supported local music, food and family outings. “… the council have taken a very administrative approach to all of this, boxes need to be ticked, and the community aspect never got a look in! Round peg, square hole, shut it down!” According to an ABC news report, Sunshine Coast Council chief executive officer (CEO) John Baker said the tension between the council and Terella was caused by the brewery not having the right
approvals. "This isn't some David and Goliath battle as I'm sure Terella will try and present it," John said. Brandt said the support from the community had been overwhelming during the difficult period. “Amazing! There have been many tears! I really can’t thank [community supporters] enough.” He said the closure had also come at a cost to staff and the local economy. “The only thing we are asking for, is to now let us all move on and stop with the criminal prosecutions and personal fines totalling $250,000. Continued page 2
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Cooroy Rag, 17 March 2026 - Page 1