Launceston mayor Danny Gibson says the fight to save the Boag’s visitor centre is far from over.
Both the mayor and Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff reached out to parent company Lion yesterday for urgent talks over the plan to shut the leading tourist attraction down at the end of the month.
The mayor says he was hoping to have a meeting with Lion’s Australian managing director today to work toward a positive outcome.
Lion has cited increasing costs, falling beer consumption rates and residual effects of the pandemic as among the reasons for its decision.
A company spokesperson issued a statement yesterday saying it had made the “difficult” decision to close its hospitality and focus on brewing.
“Sadly this will result in some job impacts at the visitor centre. We will be working with those impacted to offer our support, including redeployment opportunities within the Lion business where possible.”
Mayor Danny Gibson says he believes the company has underestimated the importance of the centre to Launceston, and plans to invite Lion general manager David Smith to view it first hand to gain a better understanding.