The Australian lender is spending over $10 million on its regional network as it extends its branch closure moratorium to 2030
Westpac is expanding its physical banking presence in regional Queensland, announcing fortnightly visiting banker services for six towns and a $10 million upgrade to existing branches across the state.
The Community Banking Service — where Westpac bankers visit in person rather than maintain permanent branches — will launch in Clifton, Pittsworth, Malanda, Ravenshoe, Clermont and Laidley. The model was piloted earlier this year in three regional New South Wales towns and has since expanded to five NSW locations. Queensland is its first interstate rollout.
Separately, the bank is upgrading six existing branches and business banking centres in Roma, Cairns, Rockhampton and Dalby.
“A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t always work, particularly across such diverse regional communities,” said CEO Anthony Miller. “While most banking is now done digitally, people still like face-to-face service. The challenge and the opportunity is finding the right balance.”
The moves sit alongside Westpac’s extended moratorium on regional branch closures, which now runs through to 2030. The bank first paused closures in 2023, extended the freeze to mid-2027 alongside industry peers, then pushed it out further in November 2025.
Westpac has also opened Regional Service Centres in Moree, Leongatha and Smithton, with a fourth due in Yass.