In a statement for TWiSK, an official Post Office spokesperson said ‘Australia Post has made the difficult decision to close the St Kilda South Post Shop from 19 July this year, following a 20% drop in customer visits over the past five years. Customer visits at this Post Shop are now well below the state average.
‘The surrounding area is extremely well-serviced, with seven outlets within a 2.5-kilometre radius, including the St Kilda West Post Office just 880 metres away.
’All St Kilda South Post Shop team members will be offered new roles at surrounding outlets or closer to home.’
David Blakeley from one of the local trader associations told TWiSK that the loss of a hero business like a post office or bank was a blow to any shopping strip.
FYI nearest postal services
The nearest post offices to St Kilda South are the St Kilda West Licenced Post Office (1.2km walking or driving distance away), the Balaclava Post Shop 1.2km away and the Brighton Road LPO (1.43km walking/driving distance).
The Balaclava Post Shop offers passport services.
The two nearby LPOs offer a full range of services (excluding passports) including identity, banking and Billpay.
A bank of self service 24/7 parcel lockers are also nearby (1.09 km away) at 170-172 Chapel Street.
Josh Burn MP has been contacted by many concerned locals. In a statement for TWiSK he said.
“The St Kilda South Post office is a vital local institution. It’s more than just a place to pick up your parcels, it connects the community and small businesses to the world, including my own office.
“While the Government doesn’t have the power to force Australia Post to keep the site open. I will continue to advocate with the community and push back against this decision.
“The petition is an important first step to show support for keeping essential services accessible and local.”
Change.org petition
“Please sign this petition to show your support for keeping essential services accessible in St Kilda”
Reader comments:
“I’ve had a Post Office box at St Kilda South since 1991. I go there 5 days a week to clear it, then buy a snack and/ or coffee in Acland Street. It’s great part of the local community, & I’m furious that I’ve only just paid for a renewal of my PO Box for another year. Surely there could have been some consultation about this decision? None of the other local Post Offices have ample free parking. The Post Office that they’re moving my PO Box to, without my consultation, is opposite the Alfred Hospital, adding over half an hour to my morning commute, plus no free parking! Post Offices are meant to be a Government service! What service is this?! I’m very angry & very sad for the great staff who make St Kilda South part of the local community! ☹️” Sue Mac via Facebook
