Cyclone Marcia is final straw as Heritage Hotel closes

IT'S last drinks as Cyclone Marcia takes a final toll on Rocky's historic hotel

HEARTBREAK HOTEL: Heritage Hotel owner Will Fowles in happier times.

ROCKHAMPTON'S Heritage Hotel has officially closed its doors for the last time.

The iconic local pub announced its sudden closure to the public yesterday via its Facebook page.

Heritage Hotel owner Will Fowles released a statement to the Bulletin yesterday explaining the reasons for the closure.

"It is with much sadness that we close the doors on the Heritage Hotel today," Mr Fowles said.

"Unfortunately, the impact of the drought, the changes to the coal industry and the cyclone have all impacted our business (along with many others).

"We have been unable to sustain significant trading losses any longer and in the end, the cyclone was the final straw."

Mr Fowles also said that he and the staff had enjoyed their time serving patrons.

"We've had an amazing 10 years discovering, getting to know, and then falling in love with Rockhampton," he said.

"It is with broken hearts that we wish you all the best for the future, as we sadly move on."

Hundreds of community members took to social media after the closure was announced to share their messages of support and memories of the popular venue.

Mr Fowles said that all staff entitlements would be met in full.

Piranha Insurance Brokers owner Peter Peirano said there were a number of contributing factors to the closing of businesses.

"All major downturns in the economy stress businesses," Mr Peirano said. "But the cyclone is not the actual cause of most of these closures, it's probably however, the final straw that broke the camel's back."

Originally published as Cyclone Marcia is final straw as Heritage Hotel closes