Cradle Coast Authority (CCA), together with our nine Member Councils and Federal Member for Braddon, Ms Anne Urquhart MP, have called on Bendigo Bank to reconsider its decision to close the Queenstown branch. The branch is one of ten locations due to close this week.
In a joint letter to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank CEO Richard Fennell, the group expressed deep concern about the impact the closure would have on West Coast communities, including Queenstown, Strahan, Rosebery and Zeehan.
CCA Chief Executive Officer Philip Reid said the closures risk deepening the disadvantage already faced by remote and regional communities.
“Residents and businesses on the West Coast deserve access to the same banking services as other Australians,” Mr Reid said. “The nearest alternative is a four-hour return trip to Burnie for essential transactions such as opening an account or applying for a loan. That’s simply not practical for many community members.”
The letter urges Bendigo Bank to consider alternative models, such as reduced hours, shared facilities, mobile banking or agency partnerships, to maintain a local presence.
“Bendigo Bank has built its reputation on community banking,” Mr Reid said. “We’re asking the Bank to live up to that legacy and work collaboratively to find a solution that meets both operational needs and community expectations.”
The group have invited Bendigo Bank to meet and discuss viable options to ensure regional Tasmanians are not left behind.
