Community & Business
25 May, 2026
Survey shows we want our banks back
A survey conducted by Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton across Oakey and Pittsworth showed that 9 in 10 respondents would use a community bank and that 70 per cent of respondents still relied on physical branches.
The survey received 946 responses from across the affected communities and showed:
- Nearly 9 in 10 respondents would actively use a community bank for their main banking or regular services;
- More than 70 per cent of respondents still rely on physical branches;
- The strongest demand is for staffed counter services, ATM access and cash deposits;
- Overwhelming support for keeping banking services local.
This data is forming the basis of ongoing work being prepared to present to prospective providers and relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to restore local banking services in Oakey and in Pittsworth.
Mr Hamilton said he had been working closely with the community to show the financial sector and the Federal Government just how important banking services still are in Oakey and Pittsworth, and to make sure that local concerns are backed by real local data.
“As part of that work, we ran a major community banking survey across Oakey and Pittsworth to get a better understanding of how people are banking, what services they still rely on, and the level of demand that still exists for face-to-face banking,” he said.
“I really want to thank every local resident and business owner who took the time to complete the survey.
“We received 946 responses across Oakey and Pittsworth, which is a fantastic response and shows how strongly the community feels about this issue.”
“One of the clearest messages was that nearly 9 in 10 respondents said they would actively use a community bank if services were restored locally.
“That tells us there is not only strong community support, but a real customer base there as well.”
“The survey also confirmed that face-to-face banking is still incredibly important in regional communities, especially for people and businesses who continue to rely on cash handling, staffed counter services and in-person support.
“This work is now helping form the basis of a broader case being put to banks, regulators, industry bodies and the government, as we continue looking at practical options to restore banking services to Oakey and Pittsworth.”
