Released 28/02/2020
Weston Creek locals are fighting back after the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) notified customers that they are closing their Weston Branch at Cooleman Court from 13 March 2020.
A petition on change.org and in hard copy is calling on the Commonwealth Bank to keep the Weston Branch open has attracted over 710 signatures showing significant interest.
“They’ve closed the Kambah branch, the Mawson branch and now the Commonwealth Bank is shutting the door on Weston Creek and the current and future residents of Molonglo,” said Labor Member for Murrumbidgee Chris Steel.
Weston Creek has the oldest population in Canberra with a median age of 41 (according to the ABS) and this compounds the issues faced by older Canberrans, making it difficult for many people to access the bank.
Mr Steel appealed to the CEO of the Commonwealth Bank Matt Comyn to reconsider the decision based on population growth and social equity grounds.
“This decision seems not to have considered the future growth of the area with up to 45,000 people living in Molonglo in the next 15 years who will need banking services including new home loans,” Mr Steel said.
“We’re also appealing to the Bank to consider the needs of older people living in the area with mobility issues who attend the bank in person.”
The National Australia Bank has also recently left Cooleman Court, and if the CBA leaves, St George will be the only major bank left in the area, with the restricted Teacher’s Mutual Bank also available. CBA claims Australia Post will provide basic banking services.
“The Australia Post branch will not be able to offer the same level of service as its current branch to customers wanting to make complex banking transactions like loans, including local businesses,” Mr Steel said.
“There’s still time for the Commonwealth Bank to reconsider its position, put people first, and benefit from the growth of the region.
“If the Commonwealth Bank abandons Weston Creek and Molonglo I think we will see a lot of people and business closing their account with the Commonwealth Bank.”
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases