Loans For Cars :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ANZ’s Blue Mountains Exit Sparks Outrage

ANZ’s Blue Mountains Exit Sparks Outrage

ANZ’s Blue Mountains Exit Sparks Outrage?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Frustration is mounting among ANZ Bank customers in the picturesque Blue Mountains region as the closure of their sole local branch triggers discontent and logistical headaches for many.
The decision has left residents grappling with the prospect of traveling vast distances for indispensable banking services.

Residents have made their displeasure heard by organizing a protest outside the Katoomba branch in a last-ditch effort to persuade ANZ to reconsider. Despite their persistence, the bank has signaled no intentions of reversing the closure of the branch, which has become a critical touchpoint for local banking needs.

In light of this area now being without its ANZ Branch, customers will face the daunting challenge of traveling nearly 150 kilometers to access alternative banking services. This decision sharply underscores the increasing trend of banking services migrating online, a transition which, while convenient for many, leaves those in more remote areas at a significant disadvantage.

The closure is part of broader industry trends where financial institutions are strategically reducing physical branches to capitalize on digital banking. Still, as evidenced in the reaction in Katoomba, this transition does not come without friction or fallout. The digital transition assumes seamless internet access and tech-savvy customers, assumptions that may not hold true for all demographics.

Referencing original reporting by Cameron Micallef on October 23, 2024, it's clear that ANZ’s move fits a broader pattern among the 'big four' banks, as they navigate a rapidly changing financial landscape marked by enhanced online service offerings. However, for longtime residents of the Blue Mountains, the closure represents a loss of community connection and a vital point of contact for in-person banking services.

Customers expressed concerns about the impact on elderly residents and those without reliable transport or internet access. “This closure affects our senior citizens most," noted a protestor. "Not everyone is comfortable with going digital, and asking them to travel such a distance is unreasonable.”

As the banking industry continues to evolve, this incident evokes broader conversations about the balance between progressing into a digital future and ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all segments of the population. As banks execute their digital strategies, the disparity in service access across geographical and demographic lines needs to become a central focus to maintain equitable service delivery.

While ANZ focuses on enhancing its digital infrastructure, its Blue Mountains customers are left weighing inconveniences and adapting plans to travel outside their region for basic banking. The situation begs the question: as financial services race towards digital transformation, how can they keep community-centric values intact?

Published:Thursday, 24th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

New Low-Interest Loans to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption
New Low-Interest Loans to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among Australian consumers, the federal government has announced a new loan scheme designed to make EVs more accessible and affordable. This initiative aims to reduce the financial barriers associated with purchasing electric cars, thereby encouraging a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. - read more
Decline in Australia's Used Car Market: Sales and Listings Down
Decline in Australia's Used Car Market: Sales and Listings Down
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the November 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), revealing a significant downturn in the used car market as the year concludes. - read more
New Partnership Aims to Reduce Electric Vehicle Costs for Australians
New Partnership Aims to Reduce Electric Vehicle Costs for Australians
13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed up to $60 million in partnership with Hyundai Capital Australia (HCAU) to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable for Australian consumers. - read more
Australians Embrace Hybrid Vehicles Amid Rising Environmental Awareness
Australians Embrace Hybrid Vehicles Amid Rising Environmental Awareness
13 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian automotive market is witnessing a significant shift as consumers increasingly opt for hybrid vehicles, balancing practicality with environmental consciousness. Recent data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab reveals that used hybrid car sales have more than doubled over the past two years, escalating from 6,868 units in October 2023 to 14,784 in October 2025. - read more
Australian Used Car Market Ends 2025 on a Softer Note
Australian Used Car Market Ends 2025 on a Softer Note
05 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the December 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), revealing a significant downturn in the used car market as the year concluded. - read more
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Gain Momentum as Petrol Car Sales Decline in Australia
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Gain Momentum as Petrol Car Sales Decline in Australia
05 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian automotive market is witnessing a significant shift in consumer preferences, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) experiencing a remarkable surge in sales, while traditional petrol vehicle sales continue to decline. - read more
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
28 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move within the Australian financial sector, Macquarie Bank has agreed to sell a $1.5 billion portfolio of car loans to Allied Credit, a leading independent financier in Australia. This portfolio encompasses over 50,000 car loans and is slated for transfer by the fourth quarter of 2025. - read more


Car Loans Articles

The Credit-Savvy Car Buyer’s Guide to Obtaining Affordable Insurance
The Credit-Savvy Car Buyer’s Guide to Obtaining Affordable Insurance
Embarking on the journey of car ownership comes with its share of responsibilities, one of which is securing affordable insurance. Understanding the intricacies of insurance rates is central to managing this recurring expense effectively. Insurers take into account numerous factors when determining your premium, including but not limited to driving history, vehicle type, and geographic location. - read more
Essential Guide for Australian First-Time Car Buyers
Essential Guide for Australian First-Time Car Buyers
Welcome to your essential guide for Australian first-time car buyers! Whether you're dreaming of your first sleek, new vehicle or a reliable pre-owned car, buying a car for the first time is a big milestone and an exciting experience. - read more
Loans for Cars: Understanding the Impact of Your Credit History
Loans for Cars: Understanding the Impact of Your Credit History
If you're in the market for a new car, you may be wondering if you can get a loan with poor credit. The answer is yes, but it's important to understand the impact that your credit history can have on the loan process. - read more
How Auto Loan Pre-Approval Can Simplify Your Car Buying Journey
How Auto Loan Pre-Approval Can Simplify Your Car Buying Journey
Buying a car, especially for the first time, can be an exciting milestone. It's not just about finding a vehicle that suits your needs and lifestyle—it’s also about navigating the financial journey that accompanies it. One crucial part of this process is understanding auto loan pre-approval. - read more
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options
The cost of buying a car is a major financial commitment, so it's important to consider all of your options before making a purchase. In this article, we look at some of the pros and cons of the most common car financing options, including leasing, hire purchase and paying cash, and what difference it makes whether you are buying a new or used vehicle. - read more
Leveraging Trade-In Values and Loans for an Australian Car Upgrade
Leveraging Trade-In Values and Loans for an Australian Car Upgrade
For many Australians, a car is more than just a means of transportation; it's a symbol of freedom, a tool for exploration, and often, a reflection of personal style. With the auto market continually evolving, staying abreast of current trends is key for car buyers looking to upgrade. New models with advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features enter the market each year, making the prospect of upgrading increasingly appealing. - read more
Understanding Specialist Lenders: The Secret to Better Car Loan Terms
Understanding Specialist Lenders: The Secret to Better Car Loan Terms
Specialist lenders are financial institutions that offer tailored loan products to meet the unique needs of borrowers who may not be well-served by traditional banks. These lenders often have more flexible lending criteria and can accommodate a broader range of financial situations. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Life Cover Amount:
Your Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Need A Car Loan Right Now?
Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

 START HERE.

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

Knowledgebase
Revolving Credit:
A type of credit that does not have a fixed number of payments, in contrast to installment credit.