Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn has called the decision to close ANZ Benalla outrageous.
ANZ staff have been contacting customers in the Rose City to confirm it will be closing its Benalla branch next month.
Cr Hearn said she was devastated for its staff, some of whom have been employed at the branch for decades.
It’s disappointing to think that ANZ have chosen to close the Benalla branch and not relocate, when there is a vacated bank building in the main street available - Mayor Bernie Hearn.
She also questioned where this left those in the community who were not tech-savvy and required a face-to-face service.
“I spoke with a manager at ANZ and was told their last day of business will be August 24,” Cr Hearn said.
“I told them I was totally disappointed that they would walk out on our town.
“I was told 88 per cent of their customers are banking online now.
“Well, my worry is for the 12 per cent who are not.
"In many cases they are people who are not going to adapt to using a computer.
“They might need help to pay bills. They might want to speak to someone. Many still want to use cash and they want to go into the bank to withdraw it.”
Cr Hearn also pointed to those in Benalla who may not have access to a computer, or online banking.
“They might not have an internet connection, and they might struggle to get to a branch in (Wangaratta or Shepparton),” she said.
“It’s disappointing to think that ANZ have chosen to close the Benalla branch and not relocate, when there is a vacated bank building in the main street available.
“We don’t have great transport links to other towns. And in this weather who wants to be sitting on a train platform waiting, for possibly hours.
“The other thing is the staff. They are devastated for their customers and could be losing their jobs.
“However, I hear they’ve been offered positions in different branches.
“But ANZ have known about this since the building was sold. They’ve had a long time to think about this.”
ANZ General Manager Victoria Cameron Home confirmed that due to the redevelopment of the site the Benalla branch would close on August 24.
“This week we have personally written to our Benalla customers to work with them on alternative banking methods, including online banking, mobile lenders and mobile banking,” Mr Home said.
“In the past five years we’ve seen a 60 per cent decline in in-branch transactions across ANZ.
“Customers are opting to use alternative banking methods such as online banking, and in Benalla, more than 88 per cent of our customers prefer these options.
“Our business customers will continue to have our relationship bankers visit them at their locations as well as mobile lenders to help customers with their home loan needs where it is most convenient for them.
“Customers can also visit our Wangaratta branch for face-to-face banking and use the atmx ATM on Bridge St, to withdraw money fee-free.
“All ANZ customers can access ANZ Smart ATMs, the atmx network, and additional ATMs operated by the other major banks with no fees, and customers can also withdraw money using EFTPOS facilities at Benalla’s major supermarkets.
“Our Benalla staff are being supported with access to the right tools and training as well as access to redeployment opportunities within ANZ.”
Cr Hearn said her advice for those in the Rose City who required a face-to-face banking service was to consider moving to one of the financial institutes still supporting the Benalla community.
Those options include:
- Goulburn Murray Credit Union;
- Bendigo Bank;
- National Australia Bank; and
- Commonwealth Bank.