Scotland ban infant UCG industry as "too risky", page-21

Leigh Creek Tavern faces closure with $130,000 annual power bill a deal breaker

Luke Griffiths, The Advertiser
October 24, 2016 1:15pm
Subscriber only

• Leigh Creek to remain open: SA government
• Final coal train leaves after Port Augusta power station’s closure
• Leigh Creek thrown $20 million cash lifeline
• Industry’s anger over loss of power — and confidence
• Clinic seeks power to say ‘never again’ on embryo tragedy

FIRST it was the coal mine, now it could be the pub.
The ever-dwindling number of Leigh Creek locals must be wondering if things can get any worse.
Expressions of interest in the town’s tavern closed recently and an estimated $130,000 annual power bill is believed to have been a deal breaker for some.
Current operator Alinta will close the doors on December 23 and soon after hand the keys to the State Government, which is seeking a new tenant to take control early next year.

Premier Weatherill shares a beer with Alinta workers at the Leigh Creek Tavern earlier this year. Watkinson
Interest is understood to have been minimal, but both McGees Property and Renewal SA declined to comment.
Late last month, in response to a resident’s concerns, The ‘Tav said, via Facebook, that it’s future was still a “waiting game” and that the prospect of indefinite closure was “very sad indeed”.
Management also flagged that the favourite drink of some may soon be sold out – for good – as it runs down stock levels.
“Unfortunately this process needs to begin now in order to maximise sales of stock before (our) involvement ceases completely,” it warned.
Jane Fargher, owner of the hugely popular Prairie Hotel 70km down the road, said she had not submitted a proposal and whoever did would need deep pockets to modernise the “dated” 64-room facility.