James Boag's Brewery Tours and Visitor Centre will continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for the foreseeable future as the Rockliff Liberal Government announces it has reached an in-principle agreement with Lion to keep the centre open.
Visiting the Centre today, Premier Rockliff said that the in-principle agreement for $1 million in funding reached between Lion and the State Government secures jobs and will expand and enhance the tourist attraction to be bigger and better than ever.
"The Boag's Brewery Visitor Centre is not only a local cultural icon but a vital part of the local northern economy attracting thousands of visitors a year," Premier Rockliff said.
"Importantly, the tour and centre directly employs 12 local staff and supports some 120 in suppliers in its operations.
"The unique experience it offers has been a significant drawcard for Launceston for decades, with the benefits flowing to other businesses in the region and across the State.
"That's why it's so important that not only does the Visitor Centre remain open, but that we work with Lion to make the visitor centre experience and attract more locals and tourists. The funding will also support a targeted marketing strategy to promote the tour experience nationally.
"This investment reinforces the commitment of both Lion and our Government to ensuring this important part of Tasmanian history and community continues now and into the future."
"I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Lion and James Boags' Brewery to make one of Launceston's most loved tourist attractions better than ever."
James Boag's Brewery Director, Nathan Calman, said that the outcome is a win-win for the Launceston Community.
"The proposal to close the visitor centre and tours were not put forward lightly and the response was an outpouring of immense passion for the continuation of our brewery tours and visitor centre experience. It reminded us of just how integral Boag's is to Launceston," Mr Calman said.
"We will now work with our Boag's Visitor Centre team, who will all retain their roles, to consider how we can use this funding to enhance the Boag's brewery tour experience and promote tourism to Launceston for the benefit of the region"
Lion will offer anyone with a current Tasmanian Driver's License free brewery tours for the next 12 months.
