Posties reverse delivery block

AUSTRALIA Post has backflipped on a decision to stop delivering mail to residents on a Deeragun street because posties felt unsafe due to an “ongoing threat”.

Australia Post sent a letter to residents on Pepperwood St, this week informing them their local postie would stop delivering mail to homes due to dogs on the street posing an “ongoing threat” to their safety.

It is understood the letter was sent to at least 10 residents due to issues with unrestrained dogs roaming the neighbourhood.

“We don’t feel confident accessing your street or letterbox safely, we cannot deliver your mail,” the letter said.

“The Townsville City Council have been informed several times but yet to take action to our request on our requests.”

The letter went on to tell residents they had the next seven days to consider alternative ways to continue receiving their mail, including renting a post office box.

However, another letter was sent on Friday informing Pepperwood St residents that Australia Post had reversed its decision to stop delivering mail to their addresses.

A spokesman for Australia Post said the “issue had been resolved” after the company worked closely with Townsville council to address concerns.

“Safety is our number one priority at Australia Post but each year too many posties are injured by unsecured dogs,” he said.

“We have communicated directly with local customers to confirm there has been no impact to mail delivery.”

SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AT AUSTRALIA POST BUT EACH YEAR TOO MANY POSTIES ARE INJURED BY UNSECURED DOGS.

A Townsville council spokeswoman said staff had been working with Australia Post to address concerns regarding post officers’ safety across Townsville’s suburbs.

“Every pet owner is responsible for their pet and must make sure their pet remains on their property and is kept on a leash when in public areas,” she said.

“Council encourages residents to do their part by reporting roaming dangerous dogs or animal attacks on 13 48 10 and assisting council officers with their subsequent investigations.

“Owners who do not keep their dogs under effective control may be penalised if they do not meet these obligations.”