Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has slammed the big banks over another branch closure.
This is following the National Australia Bank sending a letter to customers stating its East Street branch in Rockhampton would close on March 17, 2022.
Bank branch closures have occurred all over Capricornia including in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Mackay, Moranbah, Clermont, Sarina, Collinsville and Middlemount.
Ms Landry said changes to banking had noticeable effects through Capricornia.
“On many occasions, the big banks have advised customers to use online services. While this may be viable for some people, I have serious concerns for our elderly that rely on these bank branches,” Ms Landry said.
“Constituents in communities such as Moranbah have to drive over 2 hours to visit their nearest branch because of bank branch closures. It is simply not good enough.
“It’s time for the big banks to put their money where their mouth is and stop treating our regional communities like second class citizens.”
Ms Landry said a Regional Banking Taskforce established by the Liberal and Nationals Government has been bringing a focus on the impact of bank branch closures on regional communities.
“Residents of regional Queensland are all too familiar with the on-the-ground impacts of dwindling banking services over recent years.
“The Taskforce has been bringing banks and other key stakeholders together to hold a number of regional round tables to assess how bank branch closures have impacted local businesses, industries and communities and to work collaboratively to identify possible solutions.
“The Taskforce held its first meeting in early November 2021, released an Issues Paper and had a public consultation at the end of 2021.
“I look forward to reading the findings of the Regional Banking Taskforce and will continue to stand up for our regional communities,” Ms Landry said.
