The federal MP for Lalor, Joanne Ryan, has called on Australia Post to reinstate its parcel delivery service to Werribee South, with some residents being forced to take four-hour round trips to collect their items.
Instead of being able to sign for parcels at their door, residents receive a card advising them to pick up their goods from the Hoppers Crossing distribution centre about 20 kilometres away.
Ms Ryan said the system was particularly onerous for the elderly and people with disabilities, while for people forced to rely on public transport it involves catching two buses and a train.
Requesting the transfer of parcels from the distribution centre to Werribee post office incurs a $5.10 fee.
Werribee South resident Bev Bolton, who is confined to a wheelchair, said travelling to the distribution centre by public transport often took up to two hours.
“It’s difficult to manage, especially when you have to return home carrying a large parcel,” she said. “I live in a caravan park … we used to get deliveries to the door, but we haven’t for a couple of years now.”
Ms Ryan has written to federal Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull seeking answers.
“I am asking for the parcel delivery service to be reinstated,” she said. “As an interim measure, a parcel locker service being located in the area, ideally at the general store, would assist. I also ask for parcel locker services for the electorate to be reviewed. There are currently only three parcel locker facilities across Lalor.”
An Australia Post spokeswoman said the same mail contractor had delivered to the area since 2012.
“Parcel deliveries to Werribee South residents are serviced by our local contractor in line with Australia Post’s standard operational process for roadside deliveries,” she said.
“As is the norm for communities receiving a roadside delivery service, small parcels that can fit into a letterbox and don’t require a signature on delivery will be delivered to a customer’s home … larger items, or those requiring a signature, are transferred to a nearby post office for collection.
“As customer demand grows, we will continue to extend the availability of parcel locker and parcel-collect services.”
