BANKS have been told to ensure they support rural and regional communities by a politician "disgusted" with the NAB's plan to withdraw from drought-stricken Walgett.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has been advised by the NAB that branch premises in Walgett's Fox Street no longer meet its required building standards.
The branch is set to close on Friday, October 2.
Mr Coulton has greeted the advice with a warning.
While the MP understands the bank's concerns about the safety of the premises, he says "this should not be used as an excuse to close the branch".
"The NAB needs to overcome the issues with the accommodation for the Walgett branch and ensure they do not use these issues as an excuse to desert Walgett," Mr Coulton said.
The MP said Walgett provided valuable services to many agricultural and small businesses in its district, with face-to-face banking one of them.
"I am disgusted with the NAB's decision to close its Walgett branch, particularly at a time when the Walgett community is struggling with the drought," Mr Coulton said.
"The NAB and all other banks need to ensure they support rural and regional communities such as Walgett and continue to contribute to the local economies of these towns."
