Premier Jeremy Rockliff has taken the fight to save Boag’s Brewery site to Japan, lobbying parent company Kirin after local owner Lion confirmed the Launceston plant would close.
Rockliff said Kirin had given “in-principle support” to explore the state government’s proposal to buy the site, where brewing will end on November 6 after 145 years, costing 42 jobs.
He has also flagged special enabling legislation to help future redevelopment of the precinct progress in a “timely way”.
The move bypasses Lion, the Australian subsidiary that operates the brewery and takes the issue directly to its Tokyo-based parent company and ultimate decision-maker.
Lion has ruled out selling the James Boag’s brand and will continue brewing it on the mainland.
Rockliff said he raised workers’ questions and community concerns directly with Kirin.
“I heard clearly from the workers about how this unexpected decision has impacted them and their families and the need for more clarity from Kirin and Lion,” he said.
“After advocacy that reflected the community’s view during our meeting in Japan, Kirin has agreed to genuinely consider the further requests in relation to the worker support package.”
“In addition, Kirin has committed to working constructively with the government to ensure the future of the Boag’s site delivers positive outcomes for the community.”
Rockliff said he would meet Lion’s chief executive next week to progress support for workers ahead of the closure.
“Workers have always been our priority throughout this process and we will continue fighting for them,” he said.
Lion has blamed a long-term decline in beer consumption for the closure and said the site had been operating at about a fifth of its capacity.
Rockliff said Kirin had also committed to exploring “small-batch opportunities” with Tasmanian brewers and working with the state government and Launceston City Council on the site’s future.
“The Boag’s site is part of Tasmania’s industrial and cultural heritage and any transition must be managed responsibly and with a focus on future economic opportunities,” he said.
“Any future planning framework must strike the right balance between preserving the site’s heritage, unlocking investment, creating jobs and ensuring the precinct can evolve to meet the needs of future generations.”
The state government will host an economic summit in Launceston today to canvass opportunities for the region and the site.
Rockliff said talks with Kirin, employees, unions, the council and the community would continue.
“We want to see a sustainable future for this site, support for workers and new opportunities that strengthen Launceston and Northern Tasmania for decades to come,” he said.
