The West Hobart post office has closed unexpectedly after Australia Post failed to resolve “a range of significant concerns” with the licensee.
Australia Post confirmed the closure in a statement to Pulse, saying it had been working with the licensee operator but could not address the issues.
“Unfortunately, these concerns could not be resolved, leading to the closure of this post office,” an Australia Post spokesperson told Pulse.
The postal service thanked people for their patience and acknowledged the unexpected nature of the closure.
Licensed post offices operate as independent local businesses under agreements with Australia Post.
The company said they could not specify what concerns led to the West Hobart closure.
Customers can still access postal services at nearby outlets, including Hobart North Post Shop and Hobart GPO Post Shop, both less than two kilometres away.
“Australia Post understands the importance of postal services for the community and will support customers around this transition,” the spokesperson said.
From April 11, North Hobart Post Shop will open on Saturdays from 9am-midday to provide extended hours for the local community.
PO Box holders from the closed West Hobart office can open new boxes at other post offices and receive free 12-month mail redirection.
A change.org petition has already been started by Hobart Councillor Ryan Posselt with 587 signatures in less than 24 hours, calling on Australia Post to maintain the post office.
“Not only is this our local post offices, but it is our banking agency too,” one local said on the petition
“It’s almost impossible to park at North Hobart PO and we’ve already lost the Bathurst Street PO.”
