The Tasmanian government has proposed purchasing the Boag's Brewery site in Launceston, aiming to explore redevelopment opportunities for the historic location. Premier Jeremy Rockliff met with representatives from Kirin, the Japanese parent company of Lion Australia which owns Boag's, during a visit to Japan earlier this week.

Last month, Lion announced it would close the 145-year-old Launceston Boag's brewery by November, shifting all production of the iconic Tasmanian beer to mainland breweries. In June, Boag's confirmed it would cease Tasmanian operations after nearly a century and a half of local operation.

On Wednesday, Premier Rockliff stated that Kirin had "provided in-principle support to explore in good faith the state's proposal to purchase the site." Kirin and Lion reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Tasmanian government and the City of Launceston regarding the site's future use.

The government and Kirin have agreed to pursue enabling legislation in parliament to facilitate timely redevelopment across the precinct, acknowledging the site's complexities. Premier Rockliff emphasized the need for a planning framework that balances heritage preservation, investment attraction, job creation, and adaptability for future generations.

During his trip, Mr. Rockliff also conveyed the concerns of Boag's workers directly to Kirin, highlighting the impact of the closure on employees and their families. He plans to meet with Lion's CEO to discuss workforce support ahead of the brewery's closure.

Sources