A small Coast township is set to lose the only “human face” of its local banking facilities when a key shop front closes in a few weeks’ time.
The closure follows the much-mourned closures of services like banks in many smaller, regional and remote communities over past years.
For Peregian Beach residents, who have relied on the various services and convenience provided by its post office, unfortunately they will be forced into alternatives when it permanently closes its doors in a few weeks.
Community concern is growing amid confirmation the Peregian Beach Post Office will close-on November 12 and move to the Peregian Springs Shopping Centre, which is several minutes’ drive away).
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Peregian Beach Community Association (PBCA) President Barry Cotterell says even that relatively small drive is too far for some.
“An amenity like a local post office can be is so important, particularly to older or less mobile residents for whom a regular journey away from the village may be much more than just an inconvenience,” he said.
“We are going to lose the post office we’ve had for over 50 years – which has been a focal point for the village – it was one of the original services provided in the village back in 1964.
“Our association and other community members certainly are very concerned. We don’t have any other banking facilities in the village, there are only two ATMs here.”
After its closure, people in the area will need to travel to the new post office at Peregian Springs – or alternately to Coolum or Noosa – to do any face-to-face banking or to use a postal service.
The Peregian Beach Australia Post franchisees was unable to comment on the move but confirmed they would be closing on November 12.
Mr Cotterell said the couple felt they had to move because of uncertainty over their lease arrangements.
“The tenants of the post office site are hardworking and good people … they want to run a business and if they don’t have long term security with the building – they have business issues,” he said.
Mr Cotterell said the community would like a post office retained in Peregian Beach, or better yet, in the village square.
“Australia Post could look at that for the community’s interest,” he said.
The Peregian Springs Australia Post is set to open on November 14 at 9am.
“The new location will provide customers with an improved customer experience via a larger retail footprint and with easy parking for our existing customers, as well as an increase in the number of Private Boxes,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.
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