Westpac Ingham and Tully branches saved until 2027
2 May 2024
KAP Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.
Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, praised Westpac’s decision to extend its moratorium on branch closures until at least 2027. The announcement, made on Tuesday, 30 April, comes as a relief to many communities, including Ingham and Tully which were previously earmarked for branch closures.
Last year, Westpac’s plans to shut down its branches in Ingham and Tully had stirred significant concerns among residents. The Federal Member for Kennedy, the Hon. Bob Katter, played a crucial role in negotiating with the bank to initially “pause” the closures, eventually leading to the decision to keep these branches operational.
The Hinchinbrook MP emphasised the importance of accessible banking services in regional areas, highlighting the essential role these branches play in supporting local businesses and residents.
“Maintaining these branches is vital for economic stability and community wellbeing. It ensures that individuals and businesses in regional areas have equitable access to essential financial services,” Mr. Dametto said.
“We must recognise that Hinchinbrook is an aging community, with many constituents who prefer good old fashioned customer service rather than being forced to go online. For them, these branches hold immense value because it’s more than just banking transactions; it’s about building relationships with the staff and trusting them with their finances.
“I do acknowledge that with a dynamic market and in today’s virtual world banks are considering adapting to these changes however these decisions must be made with careful consideration for their broader impact on communities and it is a welcoming announcement to hear that the Westpac branches in regional and rural areas such as Ingham and Tully will remain operational until at least 2027.”
The Hinchinbrook MP thanked that Federal Member for Kennedy, the Hon. Bob Katter, for his advocacy and negotiation efforts to ensure the Westpac branches in his electorate remained operational for several years to come.
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