Harvey to hold on to last remaining bank branch until 2027 after Westpac extends pause on regional closures

Harvey will keep its last remaining bank for the next 2½ years after a decision by its operator. Westpac last week announced the Uduc Road branch and all of its other regional locations would stay open until at least 2027. The announcement is the extension of a decision by the company to pause closures in February last year for 12 months amid a Senate inquiry into regional bank closures. Westpac consumer chief executive Jason Yetton said the bank wanted to support regional communities. “We’ve heard the feedback from customers about the impact of branch closures in the bush and understand they face many challenges, such as limited internet connectivity and increased travel times to their nearest branch,” he said. Mr Yetton said the decision would enable customers to continue receiving face-to-face service. “With many regional areas being thriving business and job hubs, this also benefits our small and agribusiness customers who have built strong relationships with our bankers who live and work in the area and understand the local business landscape,” he said. “At the same time, we’ll work with our partners and local governments to improve regional services and the connection between our branches and local communities.” Westpac’s move comes despite several other banks closing up shop in the region. The National Australia Bank closed its Waroona branch — the last in the town — in November, leaving residents with only limited banking services through Australia Post if don’t want to travel to Mandurah or Bunbury. Bankwest has announced all of its branches will close by October as its parent company Commonwealth Bank transitions it to a digital-only operation. Westpac’s last competitor in Harvey — Bendigo Bank — shut its doors in August 2022. The Commonwealth Bank branch in the town closed in May 2021.