Local MP Rhiannon Pearce launches petition over closure of CommBank Golden Grove branch

More than 400 residents have signed a petition to reverse a decision to close a busy bank branch, saying it could leave those most vulnerable in the lurch.

The impending closure of a northern suburbs Commonwealth Bank branch has sparked outcry from the local community, with a local MP pushing to keep the store open.

The CommBank Golden Grove branch is set to shut its doors at 4pm on Friday, July 12, forcing customers to travel to Tea Tree Plaza, Ingle Farm or Salisbury instead.

King MP Rhiannon Pearce has called on the bank to reverse its decision, saying in-person banking services and ATM facilities should be preserved.

“There’s been a really strong response from members of the community about it (the closure), ranging from local businesses that rely on it for banking and other customers of all ages,” Ms Pearce said.

“Because it’s really close to the interchange, a lot of people who need public transport to access those services rely on that branch.

“The added distance to travel to other stores could have a really negative impact on those people.”

CommBank is set to close its Golden Grove branch in July. Picture: Rhiannon Pearce

MP Rhiannon Pearce has called for the bank to reverse its decision. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette

The announcement has been met with significant backlash from Golden Grove residents, who say the branch’s closure would further disadvantage those most in need.

Almost 400 people have signed Ms Pearce’s petition in the 24 hours since it was launched.

“Go to any branch and it is full of the elderly and people with disabilities who need assistance to access their own money,” one wrote on Facebook.

“This is who they are further disadvantaging in their quest for more control over our hard-earned money with the push towards digital currency. Shameful. Thanks for fighting back.”

Another said they had been using the ATM facilities at the store “forever” and pleaded for them to remain.

“I can’t believe this. It’s going to be a real nuisance to do our business banking and get change etc,” one customer wrote.

Ms Pearce said she would be making a representation to Commonwealth Bank later this week with residents’ concerns.

CommBank northern SA area manager Lisa Marando said the bank would “warmly welcome” Golden Grove customers to its other branches at Modbury, Ingle Farm, Salisbury and Hollywood Plaza.

“These are larger branches, with more staff at each location, including home lending specialists, business bankers, and access to convenient self-service technology,” Ms Marando said.

“We remain committed to maintaining the largest branch network in the country and warmly welcome our Golden Grove customers to our nearby branches.”

Customers will still be able to access cash access options via the Golden Grove Village Australia Post office, through the organisation’s Bank@Post service.

Employees at the Golden Grove branch will be relocated to nearby stores or offered comparable roles within the company.

Australia Post is also set to close its Campbelltown store. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Last week, Member for Hartley Vincent Tarzia launched a similar bid to save the Campbelltown Australia Post branch, which is slated for closure in August.

Mr Tarzia said the decision had left residents devastated, with a petition reaching more than 300 signatures in a matter of days.

“The many people that rely on that crucial in-person service are vulnerable or elderly and it’s not fair that they now must find alternate locations that’s nowhere near where they live,” Mr Tarzia said.

Both announcements come after a federal senate inquiry report recommended access to banking be declared an essential service, pushing for the government to investigate establishing a publicly owned bank to ensure access for regional customers.

The twice-delayed report on bank closures in regional Australia also wants a mandatory code of conduct and regulations that make it harder for banks to shut down branches, after the big four reportedly closed almost 400 between them nationally last year.

Originally published as Local MP Rhiannon Pearce launches petition over closure of CommBank Golden Grove branch