The prospect of another bank branch closing in North West Queensland has been delayed by 12 months.
Just a few weeks after ANZ said it was closing its Hughenden branch, the Suncorp Bank branch in Julia Creek has avoided the same fate – for now.
McKinlay Shire council mayor Belinda Murphy said they were initially told the Burke Street would close permanently on November 21 however after staff and account holders were notified, the bank had a change of heart.
“I spoke to a number of senior Suncorp executives and I am very pleased to advise that the branch will remain open for around 12 months while Suncorp works with both Council and community to investigate long-term viability of the service,” Cr Murphy said.
“I understand customers will be advised directly in the coming days.”
Cr Murphy said they worked closely with Suncorp to establish the service in 2012 and would like to see this relationship continue.
“While Council acknowledges many changes in business, especially in the banking sector which has seen many customers utilise online services, a physical presence for banking is still very valuable and a part of the way small communities do business,” she said.
“We have many senior residents who rely on being able to go into a branch to complete transactions and many businesses who required a branch for cash deposits and withdrawals to operate.
“We have many community groups running events that require significant cash floats and depositing capabilities through a service like this.”
Cr Murphy said McKinlay Shire has been drought declared for over four years however, there is a positive outlook.
“It has been a very difficult four years for our community economically but I believe things are improving,” she said.
“Cattle prices are strong and we have seen new business open in our Shire. These factors along with a strong economic plan to be adopted by Council towards the end of the year give us a very positive way forward.”
A Suncorp spokesperson confirmed they would remain open for another 12 months. “We worked closely with McKinlay Shire Council in 2012 to establish banking services for an initial five-year period, and we recognise the need to consult further with the council, given its involvement in setting up this store,” they said.
“In recognition of the unique circumstances, we have entered into discussions with the council to find a more effective way of meeting customer needs.”
The bank said customer visits were low and decreasing, and they wanted to find a better way to support Julia Creek.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
