Banks abandoning the community in Blacktown City.

Blacktown City Councillors have taken a stand for our community, calling on the Commonwealth Bank to reverse its decision to close yet another local branch in the Blacktown City area.

The latest closure, the Doonside Branch is scheduled to close at 4pm on 29 November this year.

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, expressed concern over the impact this decision will have on residents who rely on access to local banking services, "Many of our residents, particularly those who lack transportation, including elderly and disabled residents, depend on nearby branches and accessible ATMs," he said.

"When Commonwealth Bank closed the Rooty Hill branch, residents were directed to Doonside. Now, Doonside is being closed, pushing people even further away from essential services."

The Doonside closure follows a string of others in the area, including branches in Rooty Hill, Toongabbie, and Blacktown. This pattern, coupled with similar closures by other major banks, has failed to consider the needs of Blacktown's rapidly growing population.

Mayor Bunting said, "It's time we push back, the banks assume everyone lives in a digital world, but that's simply not true for many of our residents. They need accessible banking. It's time banks put people before profits. Local workers are losing their jobs, and residents are losing vital services."

Across Australia, the big four banks have closed 1,446 branches since 2018, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. In 2023 alone, Westpac closed 167 branches, followed by Commonwealth Bank with 73 closures, ANZ with 72, and NAB with 63.

Mayor Bunting called on banks to listen to the community they serve. "Banks are ignoring the views of their customers, our residents. Blacktown City is calling on the Commonwealth Bank and other financial institutions to remember their service obligations to the community."

"We are also urging the Federal Government to consider a moratorium on further closures. Blacktown City has diverse communities that need infrastructure and services, and banks are a vital part of that."