MOUNT Burr residents received a shock when attempting to collect their mail last week with the sudden closure of the town’s post office.
The Mount Burr Post Office, which was housed inside the Mount Burr General Store, was closed by Australia Post on Friday.
An undated letter from Australia Post distributed to residents said the post office ceased trading at the current address as a result of “unforeseen circumstances”.
“We apologise for any inconvenience these changes may cause and will continue to keep the community updated as we move through this process and work to maintain mail service in the Mount Burr community,” the letter said.
The letter directs residents to the Millicent, Tantanoola and Kalangadoo post offices to access point of sale and postal services.
Residents with post office box and front counter mail will need to make the 20 minute round trip to Millicent to collect their letters and parcels.
The existing red street posting box will continue to operate “at this stage”, the letter said.
An Australia Post spokesperson said the organisation was seeking to confirm alternative arrangements and the community would be informed when updates were available.
“We are committed to the Mount Burr community and we will keep the community informed of our progress as we look for a permanent solution,” the spokesperson said.
“While we work through the changes, all mail will be available over the counter at the Millicent Post Office.
“We thank the community for their support and patience.”
The spokesperson urged customers with enquiries to contact Australia Post via phone, online or through social media.
Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi said he was “hopeful” Australia Post and the Mount Burr store could come to an agreement and reinstate the postal service.
It is understood the Mount Burr post office has been a part of the general store operations for decades and the infrastructure remains in place.
Residents of Mount Burr have contacted The South Eastern Times to express their displeasure at the current situation.
Within the past two decades or so, staffed postal outlets have also been lost at Tarpeena, Hatherleigh, Greenways and Rendelsham.
