The move to install an ATM on the exterior of the Council office building in Port Broughton is in response to community demand for 24/7 ATM access, as there are currently no all-hours banking facilities in the Barunga West Council district.
Armaguard, subject to its internal processes, would install, operate, cash and service the ATM at its own expense. The Group in 2020 established atmx by Armaguard, which is now Australia's largest independent ATM network.
Following the 2017 removal of direct charge fees by the major banks, more than 6,000 Australian bank-owned ATMs have been removed from service, with more than 4,000 of those decommissioned during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Armaguard.
Data from consumer group CHOICE shows 575 banks closed across regional Australia between 2017 and 2021, with a 34 per cent drop in ATMs.
Armaguard has 16 partners that allow fee-free transactions on its network, and the Group is negotiating with another major partner to join.
Leonie Kerley, Mayor, of Barunga West Council said existing ATMs and cash-out services in Port Broughton provided limited access and cash withdrawal amounts.
“There are no facilities where residents or visitors are able to withdraw cash at their discretion within approximately 30 minutes of the township of Port Broughton,” Mayor Kerley said.
“This proposal will provide residents with a 24/7 option of accessing their money and offer a drawcard for visitors to the town to conveniently access their cash and spend additional time within the town supporting local businesses.”