Caneland Central’s Australia Post Office set to close by mid-July

Mackay residents are giving up PO boxes they’ve held for decades after a CBD post office was set to be shut — but Australia Post claims it wasn’t by choice.

Mackay is losing one of it’s most central post offices as the Australia Post Office at Caneland Central is set to close.

Mackay is losing a CBD post office after being given the boot by the centre’s owners, according to Australia Post.

Australia Post’s Caneland Central office is set to close on July 18, sparking frustration from locals who still rely on the crucial service.

Federal member for Dawson Andrew Willcox called the closure “a blow to the town’s connectivity” and said the closure came “without providing any explanation” from Australia Post.

“This is more than just a post office, it’s a vital service for the community of Mackay and surrounds,” Mr Willcox said.

Mr Willcox said he’d received many phone calls and emails from constituents following the announcement and said Mackay was being “short-changed”.

“That’s just unacceptable,” Mr Willcox said.

But Australia Post has told this masthead they were asked to vacate rather than leaving by choice.
It is believed the new tenants are being charged a higher rent, a claim which has been put to Caneland’s management.

Lianne Gee, marketing manager for Caneland Central said AusPost’s lease had reached it’s conclusion.

“Following a review of their operational footprint in Mackay, it is our understanding they have made the strategic decision not to renew their lease at Caneland Central, opting instead to consolidate their services across existing locations.

“We remain in close contact with Australia Post to support a smooth transition and minimise any disruption to customers throughout this process.”

An Australia Post spokesperson said over the last four years customer visits fell by 30 per cent “resulting in substantial financial losses”.

Mr Willcox was re-elected to the federal seat of Dawson in May, 2025. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The spokesperson said the Mackay Post Shop was close by as well as licensed post offices in North and West Mackay.

“Mackay Caneland team members will be offered roles at surrounding outlets,” the spokesperson said.

Residents have taken to social media to express their disappointment with Mackay man Rusty Scott posting he gave up his PO box on June 15.

“Not happy,” Mr Scott wrote.

“I’ve held that address for well over 20 years.”

Wendy Cato posted about the office’s closure and said most of the store’s stock was being sold at 25 per cent off.

“They have some good items, time to start your early Christmas shopping,” Ms Cato said.

To mitigate the loss of service at Caneland Central, Australia Post announced from July onward opening hours at the Mackay Post Shop will be extended, now opening on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm.

Caneland Central has been contacted for comment.