In a letter sent to Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, resident Carl Chirgwin, writing on behalf of the town, said no new tender had been offered to allow the LPO to continue operating at its current level.
Local resident Daniel Griffiths said the community felt blind sided by the lack of communication from Australia Post.
“The two major concerns I think the community has had have been around the lack of communication that Aus Post have given us,” he said.
“Other than the initial letter to PO box holders, there’s been no real communication.”
He said the loss of banking services would hit many residents hard.
“For elderly people or those who don’t use internet banking, it will create a real hassle. They may have to travel to Darlington Point or Griffith, which is at least 20 minutes away.”
Residents fear the downgrade will result in the loss of Bank@Post, bill payments, identity checks, passport services, and the ability to lodge parcels, including returns, business freight and international items.
The nearest full‑service post office will now be 35 kilometres away, located in Darlington Point.
In a statement to the Southern Riverina News an Australia Post spokesperson said, “A new operator will commence running a Community Postal Agency (CPA) from Marilyn’s Pharmacy at 31 Brolga Pl in Coleambally from Monday, February 9 2026.
“The CPA, which will be open from Monday to Friday and also on Saturday mornings, will provide over the counter mail sending and receiving, basic postage assessments plus the sale of stamps and prepaid satchels.
“This comes after a successful process to maintain postal services in the town following notice that the current licensed post office will cease operating on 6 February.”
Residents feel the decision “does not reflect the needs, demographics or vulnerabilities of our community,” adding that there appeared to have been no meaningful consultation before the change.
The community has asked Ms Ley to urgently intervene by pausing or reversing the downgrade, requiring Australia Post to provide a Service Impact Assessment, and advocating for the retention of essential postal and banking services in rural towns.
In a response to Mr Chirgwin, Ms Ley’s office confirmed it had already contacted Australia Post to raise the town’s concerns.
Australia Post advised that from February 9, 2026, all mail and parcels, including PO Box items, will be available for collection at the new CPA.
Ms Ley’s office acknowledged the community’s frustration, stating, “We have made it clear that a CPA is not a viable option.
“We will continue to support the community’s call for the return of a Licensed Post Office.
“The critical role of Australia Post for rural and remote communities cannot be disregarded.”
The matter remains ongoing, with the MP’s office warning it may take several months to resolve. Residents have requested a community meeting with Ms Ley at the earliest opportunity.
