Concerns are mounting over the future of the Merriwa Post Office, with warnings it could close without changes to Australia Post’s current strategy.
The issue has been raised following discussions with the LPO Group, the peak advocacy body representing owners of Licensed Post Offices across Australia. The group says five post offices nationwide closed last week, highlighting growing pressure on the network.
Upper Hunter Councillor Troy Stolz says Australia Post’s increasing focus on parcel services is undermining the viability of licensed post offices, particularly in regional communities. He says the organisation’s historical strength has been its retail presence, not competition in the commercial parcel market.
“Every efficiency measure required to compete as a parcel carrier is reducing the viability of the licensed post office network,” Cr Stolz said.
“At the same time, essential services that communities rely on are being removed.”
Cr Stolz says the potential closure of the Merriwa Post Office would have serious consequences for elderly residents, many of whom would be forced to travel close to an hour to Denman, Scone or Muswellbrook to access basic postal services.
He also warned of the social impact, saying post offices are more than just service centres.
“Our elderly will miss out on a catch-up and chin wag with other town folk, normally conducted on the Post Office steps. This is a long-standing tradition,” he said.
