Glen Innes Severn Council has backed a national campaign calling on banks to maintain face-to-face services in regional communities.
At its ordinary meeting on 23 April 2026, council formally endorsed the Obligation on Banks to Fund Face-to-Face Banking in Regional Australia campaign, led by the Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA).
The decision reflects growing concern across regional Australia about the continued loss of local bank branches and its impact on access to essential financial services.
Mayor Margot Davis said that while council acknowledged the ongoing presence of the Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and Regional Australia Bank, it was vital that in-person banking services for communities such as Glen Innes Severn were not further reduced.
“For many people in our community, online banking simply isn’t a practical alternative,” Davis said.
“We have older residents, small business owners and community groups who rely on face-to-face service. When branches close, it’s not just inconvenient, it creates real barriers.”
As part of the resolution, council will:
- formally endorse the RBIA campaign and allow council’s logo to be used in campaign materials
- advocate to the Commonwealth Government to introduce a fair cost-sharing model requiring banks to fund regional, in-person services
- use its existing advocacy platforms to amplify the campaign at state and national levels
Davis said the issue extended beyond banking and spoke to fairness for regional communities.
“Regional communities deserve the same level of access to essential services as anyone else,” she said.
“Banking is not a luxury, it’s a basic service that underpins our local economy and community wellbeing.”
Council will continue working with the Regional Banking Investment Alliance and other regional stakeholders to advocate for long-term, sustainable solutions.
More information about the campaign is available at the Regional Banking Investment Alliance website: https://rbialliance.com.au/
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