The mayors of Blayney and Cabonne shires have called on the Commonwealth Bank to reverse its decision to close branches in Blayney and Molong, Cr Scott Ferguson accusing the bank of "abandoning rural areas and leaving our older residents behind".
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Blayney Shire Council mayor Scott Ferguson said the recent announcement from the Commonwealth Bank to cease face-to-face banking in his town was extremely disappointing, and if it comes to fruition will leave Blayney with just the one bank branch, the Reliance Bank, in town.
At Molong, the situation is even more grim.
The impending closure of the Commonwealth Bank in Cabonne's largest centre will leave the area with no face-to-face banking.
Orange will be the closest Commonwealth Bank branch for both shires.
"The recent announcement from the Commonwealth Bank to close its branches in Blayney and Molong is an extremely disappointing decision," he said.
"It appears that the Commonwealth Bank is abandoning rural areas and leaving our older residents behind in their desire for increased cost savings and improved shareholder value.
"Blayney and Molong are prosperous, growing towns and deserve a continuation of face-to-face banking."
The banks like to advertise what a great friend they are to Australian communities. Unfortunately, it seems the friendship comes to an end when branches aren't as profitable as they would like them to be.
- Calare MP Andrew Gee
Cabonne mayor Kevin Beatty said the impact it'll have on his community was of grave concern.
"The Commonwealth Bank branches provide a number of services to the Blayney and Cabonne communities, including telling services, business banking, financial planning assistance and international services. I am particularly worried about the impact the closure will have on the community and local staff," he said.
Member for Calare Andrew Gee has called on the bank to re-think and reverse a decision to close bank branches at Molong and Blayney.
"It's bitterly disappointing to find out about the foreshadowed closures which are scheduled for the 4th of June. While local bank branch staff were informed on Friday, there has been no consultation with the wider community," Mr Gee said.
"The banks like to advertise what a great friend they are to Australian communities. Unfortunately, it seems the friendship comes to an end when branches aren't as profitable as they would like them to be."
As the furniture removalists size up the desks at the National Australia Bank on Adelaide Street before it closes in April, the older residents of Blayney will now have even fewer options for their banking.
"This news will be particularly devastating for older Australians, many of whom do not use internet or phone banking. Many of them have given the bank a lifetime of loyalty and this is a shocking way for the bank to repay them for it," Mr Gee said.
Commonwealth Bank's Regional General Manager Norm Swift said in a statement that the branch has had a 37 per cent drop in transactions over the past five years and that customers who want over the counter services could still access them.
"For Blayney customers, we have other branches in the region at Bathurst and Orange," he said.
"We've also found that over 24 per cent of customers from Blayney are already visiting these other branches."
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