Mail to be delivered directly to Torbanlea homes

Torbanlea residents will soon have their mail delivered directly to their homes, as a result of lobbying from the local community and Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

Mr Pitt said he’d been liaising directly with Australia Post and the Communications Minister’s office since the sudden closure of Torbanlea Post Office two weeks ago.

“I assured Torbanlea residents I would work closely with Australia Post to ensure local postal services were restored as soon as possible, and I have done exactly that,” Mr Pitt said.

“Torbanlea residents, who have been temporarily required to collect their mail from Howard Post Office, will soon have their mail delivered directly to their homes.

“However, I understand Australia Post has been unable to secure another licensee to run the Torbanlea Post Office. As such, residents will still be able to access over-the-counter Australia Post services in Howard (4km), Maryborough (25km) and Hervey Bay (32km).

“Those who do not wish to install a letter box outside their homes can have their mail sent to a PO Box at Howard for the standard rate.

“As I’ve said previously, Australia Post does not make decisions such as these lightly. The sudden closure came as a shock to many Torbanlea residents, and I thank Australia Post for acting swiftly to find a middle ground and commence mail delivery directly to peoples’ homes.

“I congratulate the Torbanlea community on their strong advocacy, collecting signatures to put their views forward with a petition – democracy in action!”

Australia Post spokesperson Michelle Skehan said the new mail delivery service would commence over the coming month.

“This means residents are no longer required to go to Howard to collect their mail, which will be delivered directly to their property,” Ms Skehan said.

“Australia Post will be communicating these changes to residents shortly, including details on what actions they need to take.

“We thank local residents for their patience and we look forward to establishing a mail delivery service that best meets the needs of the community.”