February 8, 2021
Bank of Queensland’s branch in Kingaroy Shoppingworld will close on August 2.
Letters were sent to customers advising of the closure of the franchise late last week, stating that customers’ accounts would be transferred to the Maleny branch.
southburnett.com.au understands the closure will mean the loss of three full-time jobs.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said it was shocking that two banks in just two weeks have announced they will close branches in the South Burnett.
Mrs Frecklington said the closure of the NAB in Murgon and BOQ in Kingaroy left a sour taste for the community.
“When essential services like banks close their doors, the community has every right to be angry,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“People in regional towns, like Kingaroy and Murgon, really value their local banking services, but once again we’re seeing large companies relinquish their commitment to serve country people.
“Unfortunately, this is now a common theme for banks, who believe they can service their customers just as well online.
“However, for community groups, and businesses, it will always be necessary for them to have access to physical banking services. And we all know that many people in regional areas have poor internet connection, or no computer access at all, so internet banking isn’t always the answer.
“The banks give all the reasons under the sun for having to close, but in the end, it comes down to them abandoning regional areas and it’s just not good enough.”
Bank of Queensland has been approached for comment.
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UPDATE February 9:
southburnett.com.au has received the following statement from a BOQ spokesperson:
Following a review of our branch footprint and the need to adapt our service model as customers embrace new ways of managing their banking, in consultation with the branch Owner Manager, BOQ has made the difficult decision to close our Kingaroy branch on Monday, August 2, 2021. We understand this news will be disappointing for the Kingaroy community and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause our local customers.
From August 2021, Kingaroy customer accounts will be transferred to BOQ Maleny or another BOQ branch of their choosing. These customers will continue to have access to BOQ’s Internet and Mobile Banking services and 24/7 telephone support from our Direct Banking team. Kingaroy customers can also visit BOQ Wondai for assistance with their everyday banking needs.
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- Related article: NAB To Close Murgon Branch
The letter sent out to customers gave a different reason… blaming the closure decision on the wishes of the current owner.
Quote: “This closure follows Ian’s decision to move on from BOQ after almost 18 years serving the Kingaroy community and reflects the need for BOQ to adapt our service model as our customers embrace new ways of banking with us”
Have a talk with the staff as to the validity of this statement.
Anyone with a BOQ account in Kingaroy would be wise to cancel the account and start banking with a community bank like Heritage. It operates for the benefit of the customers and their local community, not shareholders in a capital city. It makes significant donations to worthwhile community groups like the Rural Fire Brigade and youth sports.