Jess Milne disappointed in Tin Can Bay NAB closure

The coastal community’s sole remaining bank branch will soon close, leaving some in the community concerned for the “backward step” and urging a community bank to fill the void.

Councillor Jess Milne called the planned closure of the NAB Branch at Tin Can Bay a disappointment.

The imminent closure of the Tin Can Bay NAB branch has left the community disappointed and forced to find alternatives for cash.

The branch announced it would close on February 2, 2023 due to the increase in online banking through Covid.

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“Increasingly Australians are banking digitally, with more than 94 per cent of customer interactions now taking place over the phone, by video or online,” NAB Executive Retail spokesman Tom Crowley said.

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“More than 69 per cent of our customers in Tin Can Bay are already using other branches, including Gympie, which is the nearest alternative branch location.”

Mr Crowley said there would be no job losses as a result of the closure.

The NAB branch at Tin Can Bay will close in early 2023.

“We have worked closely with our colleagues on opportunities for them to continue to support customers either through other branches or across phone and digital channels,” he said.

Whilst banking services are available at the Australia Post, the Tin Can Bay NAB branch was the only bank in the small coastal community customers could visit.

Gympie Regional councillor Jess Milne said the closure would be a loss of services in the community that would have an impact on Tin Can Bay’s seniors and and business owners.

“It’s disappointing NAB have made this decision however I hope another bank takes the opportunity to invest in our town,” Ms Milne said.

Many businesses rely on cash transactions and, with an age demographic of about 60, most residents heavily rely on face-to-face customer service, a Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce spokesperson said.

Travelling to Gympie’s branch for cash banking will have a continuous effect on the town, the spokesperson said.

The Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce posted a callout of Facebook for business owner feedback.

“I don’t understand how we have so much growth in the area and yet major facilities are walking away,” Debra Mason commented.

Councillor Jess Milne has expressed disappointment at the plan to close the NAB in Tin Can Bay.

“I hope a community bank steps up and realises the opportunity to service a growing community.

“They have dropped the ball big time.”

Wade O’Connor commented on the post branding the “cashless society” a “joke.”

The closure announcement was also made in a community Facebook group where many expressed their discontent.

“Lot of banks are minimising and closing branches because internet banking is so convenient,” Scott Falcon commented.

“It’s all part of the no cash, digital ID society being pushed on us,” Kathleen Stutley said.

Various concerns were expressed for the locals who depended on cash transactions.

“What about the local businesses that rely on change for their business?” Janet Young commented.

“What a backward step for Tin Can Bay.”