Australia Post rejects Eaton

Eaton Fair will not be getting a post office after an application from the Dardanup Shire Council was rejected by Australia Post.

Council chief executive officer Mark Chester sent two letters to Australia Post, one in October of last year and one in February requesting a post office to be located at the shopping centre following support during community consultation.

In a letter to the council, Australia Post shareholder liaison Geoff Williams said there were insufficient customer numbers to support two retail outlets in such close proximity to one another.

Mr Williams also said the relocation of the existing Eaton Licensed Post Office, at the corner of Pratt Road and Old Coast Road, was not considered an option.

“Licensees are local small business people and as such are important considerations regarding Australia Post’s obligations under the Franchise Code of Conduct, ” he said.

“This is a particularly important consideration at a time when customer numbers visiting Australia Post retail outlets are declining.”

This comes just weeks after a campaign by Eaton residents was reignited in an attempt to have the Australian Post Office placed at what will be Eaton’s biggest shopping centre.

Bethanie Fields resident and campaigner for the post office Val Melville she could not believe the council’s request was rejected.

“It amazes me a community which is growing to such an extent in business and housing can be rejected like that, ” she said.

“They are not looking ahead at the expansion or growth.

“If you have this many people requesting it, then it is viable.”

Forrest MHR Nola Marino said after requests from the community she wrote to Australia Post pointing out new population figures and the shopping centre expansion.

“This request was refused once again on the basis that the existing commercial licence is still in place, ” she said.

Mr Chester said the outcome was disappointing for the community, but the council accepted Australia Post’s position.