Biggenden community reacts to NAB closure

The looming closure of a rural “old school town’s” only bank has been slammed, with business owners and politicians raising concerns about crime and elderly.

Kaden Bryant said because of Biggenden’s ageing population many of its residents needed in-person bank services.

Businesses and volunteers have slammed National Australia Bank’s decision to close Biggenden’s only bank with some residents fearing it could cause an increase in crime.

National Australia Bank will close its Biggenden branch in July, with residents forced to travel to Gayndah or Childers for in-person banking.

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Les Hotz said the council was “appalled” by the decision.

“Every time a service closes it takes away from the living conditions of the town,” he said.

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Mr Hotz said it was a worrying trend with the Monto branch closing last year.

He fears Mundubbera and Gayndah branches may be next on the chopping block.

More than 50 businesses and community organisations will be impacted by the Biggenden closure.

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Les Hotz has spoken out against NAB’s decision to close its Biggenden branch.

Foodworks Biggenden owner of 15 years Hardy Kooner said the closure was “disappointing to see” and worried about the long-term fallout.

He was concerned about the job losses triggered by the closure.

The NAB denied claims any of it’s Biggenden staff would be out of work.

“It’s really important to know that no NAB team members will lose their jobs – there are so many great opportunities across the bank for them,” a media representative said.

Retail store Poppy Laine owner Kirsten Robinson echoed his comments.

She said she was “already not comfortable carrying and keeping cash” in the shop, and will be left with no choice but to keep more cash on hand.

She is now worried over a possible rise in crime.

NAB Biggenden will close its doors July 27, 2023.

Another business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said she would no longer be able to quickly and easily do her banking as a one-woman team.

She said she would have to close her store for hours at a time to deposit cash in Childers or beyond.

Kaden Bryant of APEX Biggenden and Bryant’s Butchery said it would also impact community services because volunteers would have to travel for banking services to keep floats secure.

He said Biggenden remains an “old school town” with an ageing population which relies on cash transactions.

“Small towns are already dying so it’s just another nail in the coffin,” Mr Bryant said.