The union representing workers at Launceston’s James Boag Brewery says the iconic site can be saved and has launched a campaign to find a buyer before the doors close.
The push comes after brewery owner Lion confirmed it will shut the plant on November 6, closing the book on nearly a century and a half of brewing in the city and putting 42 people out of work.
The United Workers Union (UWU) says the closure doesn’t have to be the end.
The union has asked Premier Jeremy Rockliff to step in and broker a sale, in the same way the state helped save King Island Dairy last year and is now working to keep the Liberty Bell Bay smelter open.
Union organiser Ben Dudman says a taskforce is the way forward.
“We’re calling on the Tasmanian government to establish a ‘Save Boags Taskforce’,” Dudman said.
“We now have a chance to save this Tasmanian icon from extinction.”
He says the pieces are already in place for a sale to work.
“The brand is solid, there’s a loyal, highly skilled and experienced workforce eager to see it continue and the northern Tasmanian community is right behind this campaign,” he said.
Dudman says a petition asking for 500 signatures hit its target in an hour and has since passed 3,000.
But Lion says the decision to close is final. Lion CEO and managing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe apologised for the impact of the closure on workers and the city.
“We know this is difficult news for our Boag’s Brewery team and the broader Launceston community,” Sahasrabuddhe said.
“After considering all of the feedback received during consultation, we have concluded that the structural challenges facing the brewery cannot be overcome and have made the difficult decision to proceed with the closure.”
She says the company is not selling the James Boag’s brand.
“It is not our intention to sell the James Boag’s brand – we remain committed to both Tasmania and supporting the James Boag’s brand,” she said.
The company will keep brewing Boag’s at other sites and the recently reopened Boag’s Brewhouse will stay open as the home of the label.
Lion is only willing to part with the site itself.
“We will continue to work closely with the City of Launceston, the Tasmanian government and other stakeholders on the future of the brewery site, ensuring we play our part to support the preservation of the site’s heritage while transitioning custodianship to a new owner who can revitalise it for its next chapter,” Sahasrabuddhe said.
Lion says it is also “actively exploring small-scale on-island brewing opportunities” in the region, which could see some draught products made locally for the Brewhouse and a few Launceston venues.
