Indigo Shire Council is hoping to work with Australia Post in the future to ensure the postal service in Beechworth is retained and the postal service remains in its current location of the 140 year old building.

A meeting was held between representatives from Australia Post led by Australia Post Manager Mr Glenn O’Bryan, Indigo Shire Council Mayor Cr Peter Graham and Indigo Shire Council Acting CEO Mr David Montgomery at the Beechworth Shire office on Thursday June 15.

Indigo Shire Council Mayor Cr Peter Graham said this was a good opportunity to discuss the future of the Post Office and its operations in Beechworth.

He said Australia Post was converting the Post Office to a licensed Post Office but indicated that the Post Office building was leased to them until December 2007 and that the Post Office would continue to operate from the current position and a longer-term lease was being negotiated with the owners of that property.

“Mr Glenn O’Bryan indicated there would be a caveat on the transfer of the business to any new operator to provide the Post Office facilities from the current premises,” he said.

“The continued use of the historic Post Office building into the future is seen by the community and Shire as a necessary outcome and the meeting held on Thursday June 15 is a good step forward in the process.

“The removal of the post office from the current location is not appropriate for Beechworth and would be a terrible mistake to lose its ties with the current iconic Beechworth building,” he said.

Cr Graham said Indigo Shire Council raised community concerns with Australia Post regarding the impending change.

He said it was hoped after this week’s meeting both parties could work with and alongside the Beechworth community to ensure postal services and Beechworth’s historical integrity remained.

Australia Post General Manager Mr Glenn O’Bryan said Australia Post appreciated the opportunity to meet with Council representatives.

He said Australia Post was working to resolve any concerns to ensure a positive outcome for the community with the transition to a licensed outlet.

“We will issue a letter to all residents next week to address the issues raised,” Mr O’Bryan said.