The Launceston Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the potential economic impact of the operational pause at Liberty Bell Bay’s manganese smelter —for direct employees and the many Northern Tasmanian businesses that rely on the precinct through supply chain contracts and service delivery.
This disruption has immediate consequences for workers but also threatens broader business confidence and the economic fabric of the region. The Chamber is calling on both the Tasmanian and Federal
Governments to step up with urgent support, planning certainty, and structural reforms to secure the longterm future of this vital industrial hub.
“Liberty Bell Bay is more than a single site — it underpins dozens of local businesses and hundreds of families who depend on its operations, directly or indirectly,” said Chamber CEO Alina Bain. “The ripple
effects of lost jobs and reduced production are already being felt across our business community.”
The Chamber is particularly concerned about the impact on small to medium-sized enterprises that supply goods, services, and support to Liberty Bell Bay and its workforce. These businesses face compounding
pressures as production slows and uncertainty grows.
The Chamber will be seeking a meeting with the Premier to more fully understand the situation, and to advocate for coordinated State and Federal Government support for affected workers and businesses.
This is a time for strong and visible leadership. The challenges facing Liberty Bell Bay require not only immediate support but also a clear path forward for industry, workers, and the broader business community. The Launceston Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work alongside the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone and the State Government to help chart that path — one that secures jobs, restores confidence, and drives a bold new vision for industrial growth in Northern Tasmania.
The Chamber is urging all levels of government to act quickly to support affected workers and businesses, establish a shared long-term vision for the precinct, prioritise Liberty Bell Bay in national strategies, and
deliver planning certainty through investment and transparent engagement with operators.
The Chamber supports the recent public comments from Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone CEO Susie Bower and TMEC Chair Ray Mostogl, which highlight the urgency of structural reform, coordinated planning, and clear communication.
“This is a moment for leadership and vision,” Ms Bain said. “The Chamber stands ready to support our members, and we call on government at all levels to act now.”
20 May 2025