TASMANIAN Premier Jeremy Rockliff has pledged to prevent the closure of the iconic King Island Dairy.
During a visit to the island last week, the premier confirmed that he would not let King Island Dairy cease to exist.
“That won’t happen. Not on my watch,” he said.
The Premier confirmed that there is interest in the King Island Dairy business and said that while the Government is not a party to discussions, it would certainly be supportive of a business that may need secondary assistance, whether that be in the form of infrastructure improvements, upgrades or other.
The future of the King Island Dairy is uncertain as global dairy giant Saputo Inc reviews its operation.
Saputo Dairy Australia plans to maintain regular operations at King Island Dairy as it decides its future.
One option is selling the business.
While shipping and freight issues still plague the island Mr Rockliff made no announcements or new promises.
Mr Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government was committed to ensuring ambulance and SES volunteers have access to appropriate facilities.
“We have undertaken a feasibility study to help identify the most suitable location for a new ambulance station on King Island,” Mr Rockliff said.
The study is currently being assessed and I look forward to having more to say following the completion of that process.
King Island is well served by nearly 60 volunteers across the TFS and SES.
“Our Government has committed $10 million to upgrade volunteer facilities across Tasmania.
“The allocation of this funding will be needs- and risks-based and is in its final stages of assessments.
“This includes consideration of minor asset replacement and maintenance upgrades at all four TFS facilities on King Island, and potentially more substantial works should prioritisation support this.”
The Premier anticipates more progress as the local economy grows and a buildup in investment that is infrastructure-enabling.
Looking around the King Island Golf and Bowling Club and the new extensions and refurbishments, the Premier appeared impressed and noted that the State Government had helped financially.
Mr Rockliff enjoyed a sausage roll from the bakehouse, chatted with locals in the street and had casual meet and greets with tourism and event operators as well as meeting with Mayor Marcus Blackie and farmers to talk about drought relief among other issues.
He was enthusiastic about the Hub and the building of island infrastructure for future generations and focused on brand King Island.
“King Island has the best of iconic Tasmania all wrapped up in one place,” Mr Rockliff said.
“There’s the wildness and scenery, the coastal, agriculture and produce, golf, tourism growth and the pristine environment.”