'Disgraceful' postal service slammed

Pilbara MP Tom Stephens has labelled Newman’s continued lack of a postal delivery service a “disgrace” more than four months after the previous contract expired.

Locals, who are forced to pick up their mail from the post office, have also expressed frustration that a replacement has not been found sooner.

In May, Mr Stephens called on Australia Post to take “whatever steps necessary” to maintain street delivery in Newman.

Last week he said it was unacceptable the issue had not been treated with urgency. “This is a disgrace, to have this go on for so long and not to have found a solution by now is unacceptable,” he said.

“If it happened in Dalkeith or Peppermint Grove, Australia Post would have fixed it.

“Newman is where the country’s wealth is generated and to sit back and take a leisurely approach isn’t right.

“Newman residents have shown remarkable patience.”

An Australia Post spokeswoman said last week the service was still “working hard to find a suitable contractor”.

She cited Newman’s cost of living as a contributing factor to the lengthy wait. Newman mother Rainie Luckie, who spoke to the North West Telegraph when the service stopped, said she hoped a solution would soon be found.

“Summer is approaching, which will make waiting in line at the parcel hatch in the sun miserable with 45 degree heat,” she said.

“Not only is it an inconvenience to residents, it’s a major hassle for the hard-working employees at the post office. Mail and packages are sometimes hard to find or lost for days or weeks… at the moment the staff are bearing the brunt of frustration and I feel sorry for them.”