All of Coleambally’s postal services now run out of its local chemist, Marilyn’s Pharmacy. Photo: Supplied.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton has called for the immediate reinstatement of a licensed post office (LPO) in Coleambally, after it was replaced by an operator that provides fewer services.
Ledwidge Pty Ltd had run mail services from 33-35 Brolga Place since 2014, but ceased operating in early February. Australia Post then shifted its postal services next door to Marilyn’s Pharmacy on 9 February.
However, the pharmacy only operates a community postal agency (CPA) – which provides fewer services than an LPO, meaning residents need to travel to Darlington Point for PO boxes, bill payments, banking, and parcel tracking.
Ms Dalton has called on Australia Post to find a new licensee and to establish a new LPO.
“This is not a minor administrative change. This is the removal of essential services from a community that has already lost its banks and is being asked to accept less and less every year,” Ms Dalton said.
“Elderly residents who relied on the post office to pay their bills have been cut off.
“Visa holders working in the district cannot send international mail. Contractors are driving 165 kilometres a day to sort mail because Australia Post will not provide proper facilities.”
Ms Dalton said workable local solutions for maintaining a full LPO had been presented to Australia Post but were dismissed without proper investigation. No tender was offered to allow another party to take over the licence.
“The community put forward sensible options. They were ignored by people who have never set foot in Coleambally and don’t understand what losing a post office means for a small regional town,” Ms Dalton said.
Australia Post responded to Ms Dalton’s criticisms, stating it moved quickly to establish the CPA at Marilyn’s Pharmacy and that customers looking to use billing services should travel to Darlington Point or Whitton.
“Australia Post acknowledges the unexpected closure of the Coleambally licensed post office and the inconvenience this has caused some community members,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.
“Licensed post offices are owned and operated by licensees as independent local businesses.
“We understand the importance of postal services for the community and moved quickly to establish a community postal agency at Marilyn’s Pharmacy to support customers and maintain postal services in the town.
“Coleambally residents can access full services, including banking and Billpay, at Darlington Point LPO and Whitton LPO.”
With Australia Post expected to close even more LPOs in regional Australia over the next 12 months, Ms Dalton has called on the Federal Government to step in and avoid closing post offices in communities where they are the last provider of face-to-face services.
“Coleambally is exactly the kind of community the government said should be protected. Australia Post downgraded the service anyway,” Ms Dalton said.
“I am standing with this community. Restore the LPO. Stop treating regional towns as disposable.”
