The Deputy Mayor of Burnie has expressed disappointment over the decision by call centre company SERCO to close its operations in the city after 24 years.
Giovanna Simpson said up to 200 people could be left jobless as a result of the November closure.
Simpson told Local Radio she was informed of the closure a few weeks ago and is concerned about the impact it will have on the central business district.
“It’s a big loss for the CBD, without question,” she said.
“Most of them are casual employees, so they may have other work, but it’s still a big loss for us.”
She said the closure will not only affect the employees but also businesses in the area, particularly coffee shops and restaurants.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff also voiced his disappointment.
“I’m very concerned and very disappointed. Notwithstanding the work available at home to keep people local, it is disappointing, which is why we need to invest in urban renewal and revitalise CBDs such as Burnie,” he said.
“We have committed to Burnie in terms of revitalisation and of course we’ve allocated some $86 million to new courthouses as well.”
“That infrastructure and that redevelopment and that ongoing discussion with the Burnie City Council and how we can work in partnership to revitalise the CBD will be ongoing.”
The company has not yet commented on the closure.
