Council Banking on the Move
21 August 2023
Following an announcement by the National Australia Bank (NAB) that it would be closing its branches in Warren, Gilgandra and Wellington in August 2023, Warren Shire Council will move all banking services to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
This move is based on several factors, including NAB not being negotiable to retaining a local presence, despite strong lobbying and advocacy by Council on behalf of the Warren Shire community.
Warren Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Milton Quigley, says the closure is short-sighted and Council is moving to support a bank that supports its community.
“In light of NAB’s closure announcement, we lobbied extensively for the bank to retain its local presence, including writing to their CEO stating this decision was short-sighted, given our vibrant agriculturally based community,” says Mayor Quigley.
“The reply I received was not encouraging, with this situation prompting us to consider investigating the transfer of Council’s banking facilities to another bank that continues to support our residents by having a branch presence in Warren.”
Clr Quigley says local banking is a way of life for many Warren Shire residents.
“Onsite banking and face-to-face banking services are required to meet the needs of our demographic and offer an economic and social benefit to our entire community,” adds Mayor Quigley.
“The closure of these branches means all NAB customers living and working in Warren Shire will now need to travel to Dubbo for in-person banking services, a fact which shows no understanding from the bank about the community in which it is serving.
“CBA’s commitment to retain its local branch for at least another three years in Warren Shire, has encouraged Council to support a financial institution that is maintaining its presence and commitment to our community.”
Warren Shire Council General Manager, Gary Woodman, says moving Council’s finances to CBA makes good business sense and increases Council’s investment options.
“From an operational perspective, moving Council’s banking facility to CBA makes good financial sense due to its competitive pricing model, the large fee waiver incentives and in consideration of the ongoing costs of service delivery,” says Mr Woodman.
“On occasion, Council has a need for cash-based transactions and a bank with a local presence can support our ongoing requirements, to ensure we maintain efficient and effective service delivery for the people of Warren Shire.”
The Warren Shire NAB banking branch will close this Tuesday 22 August 2023.