Today's news that the Boags visitor experience is set to close is extremely disappointing for Launceston, and demonstrates the Liberals' complete disregard for a Tasmanian icon.
Boags Brewery is as Launceston as it gets.
The brewery has been operating since 1881, and the visitor centre is the third most visited attraction in Launceston.
Unfortunately, the Liberals seem to have taken Boags' contribution to the economy and community for granted.
A number of unfair economic conditions are clearly making it difficult for Boags to do business.
Firstly, skyrocketing energy costs are having a huge impact on its operations, along with many other businesses across the state.
Boags also stands to cop increased trade waste charges from Taswater, further impacting its viability.
Further to this, freight equalisation has not kept pace with increased costs of sea transport, meaning Boags is left at a disadvantage.
Finally, Boags is being left in the dark about the cost impacts of the flawed Container Deposit Scheme. They know it will add an additional cost, they just don't know how much it will be.
Parent company Lion has decided to close the visitor experience and this will impact both jobs and tourism in Northern Tasmania.
My heart goes out to the workers who have been told they will lose their jobs at the end of the month.
Boags has been operating for over 140 years.
The government must work with Boags and Lion to help this iconic business through its current challenges so it can continue to thrive for many years to come.
Anything less would continue the betrayal of a Launceston and Tasmanian icon.
Michelle O'Byrne MP
Member for Bass
