Woollahra Post Office in battle to stay open as a smaller service

Protesters might win the fight to keep the Woollahra Post Office that is losing well over $100,000 a year, open albeit as a reduced alternative service.

Shadow communications minister, Malcolm Turnbull met with Australia Post Chairman, David Mortimer and Woollahra councillor, Andrew Petrie, on Tuesday evening, where all resolved to see if any viable alternatives, such as a smaller service could replace the business. A protest to save the shop took place earlier this week.

In Ku-ring-gai, state opposition leader and local MP Barry O’Farrell (pictured) has organised a petition at his electorate office to prevent the closure of Turramurra’s Post Office, which at the time of going to print had collected 1,600 signatures. A public meeting is scheduled for next week.

“It’s a dreadful decision and an example of loss of customer focus from Australia Post. It will have a devastating affect on people here,” he said.

Australia Post announced the 27 closures last year, claiming that the number of letters being posted is falling by more than five percent per year as the world moves towards emails. “There is no doubt that the rise of digital communications has had a significant impact on letter volumes, a trend that is not only isolated to Australia but globally,” an Australia Post spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for the Minister Stephen Conroy said in a statement that Australia Post’s customer service obligations under the Act require it to maintain a minimum of 4000 outlets Australia Wide, with at least 2,500 in rural and remote areas, to offer stamps and postage assessment.

“In light of the issues raised with him by local residents, the Minister has asked that Australia Post give further consideration to the impact the proposed closure will have on the community,” the Minister’s spokesperson said.