Chamber boss quick to stamp on postage hike

ROSE City residents and businesses are facing a hike in postage fees, as Australia Post looks at increasing the cost of stamps to 70 cents each next month.

ROSE City residents and businesses are facing a hike in postage fees, as Australia Post looks at increasing the cost of stamps to 70 cents each next month.

For Upper Wheatvale resident Del Norris the increase will almost mean the end of snail mail.

"It would affect me sending mail, more at Christmas when I send Christmas cards," she said.

"I will probably send more emails instead."

Mrs Norris said the increase would be a big jump.

"It doesn't seem like that long ago that they raised it to 60 cents," she said.

"It's a very big increase - I think 65 cents is more reasonable."

The Warwick business community is also outraged over the proposed rise, which they say would put more pressure on the increasing cost of doing business.

Warwick Chamber of Commerce president Bruce Partridge said a rise in costs was the last thing business needed.

"Businesses are still suffering from increased costs at every level," he said

"This includes massive increased power costs last July, flow on costs from the Carbon Tax and a doubling of fuel costs compared to other states.

"Australia Post is raking in huge increases in parcel revenues from the growth of internet selling and as a business is profitable."

Managing director and CEO of Australia Post Ahmed Fahour said the price increase was necessary to maintain essential services and support the company's retail network.

Originally published as Chamber boss quick to stamp on postage hike