Australia Post to expand distribution sites in regional NSW
Australia Post will be expanding its distribution sites across regional and rural New South Wales as online shopping increases.
Six new sites will be based in Tumut, Leeton, Deniliquin, Forbes, Casino and Byron Bay with some replacing pre-existing smaller sites.
The purpose-built facilities will each handle between 900 and 2,200 parcels per day, aimed at enhancing parcel processing capability and service across rural and regional communities.
Three of the new sites will be built in the Riverina region which the regional director of Business NSW Riverina Murray, Serena Hardwick, said was positive news for the region.
"Businesses in our previous business conditions survey have identified having supply chain issues," she said.
"We would hope to see this investment actually support those businesses in having better access as well."
Australia Post was unavailable for an interview, but in a statement its general manager of network development and support services Shane Plant said the service had seen an increase in online purchasing.
"In New South Wales we've seen online purchases increase by 2.8 per cent year-on-year, with data indicating that 82 per cent of NSW households were now shopping online," he said.
Australia Post said regional areas increasingly depend on e-commerce due to fewer retail stores, and the new sites would help it meet the growing parcel demand.
Ms Hardwick said businesses based in regional and rural areas could take advantage of the continued rise in e-commerce.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall has encouraged people in his community to keep shopping locally.
"In terms of our CBD [Deniliquin] and retail space we would like to see people still shop locally and it's something we really try to promote," he said.
Australia Post said existing sites in Leeton, Deniliquin, Tumut, Casino and Byron Bay will relocate into new greenfield sites.
Forbes will consolidate the current Parkes and Forbes operations.
Mr Hall said it is unfortunate to lose the original site in the town of Deniliquin.
"That post office hub is accessible right in town. If they're moving that will be probably cause a little bit of disruption for some people," he said.
Construction on the distribution site in Tumut is currently underway with plans to open in late 2025.
Construction of the other five sites will begin in early 2026 with an expected opening towards the end of that year.
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