'LONG wait times' and 'under-resourcing' have reportedly plagued customers at Wallsend post office, sparking several complaints from the community.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon took the community's concerns to parliament in Canberra this week.
Ms Claydon said residents have reported having to wait more than half an hour to be served while others have been turned away because staff do not have the time or capacity to meet increased customer needs.
"I have received several complaints about long queues and customer wait times at Wallsend post office," she said.
"One resident told me that she often leaves work early if she wants to be served at the Wallsend post office before 5pm.
"Another noted that it's very common for there to be only three employees working during peak times, and they seem to be overwhelmed by the amount of foot traffic coming into the store."
The Wallsend post office serves a wide area, including Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi.
An Australia Post spokeswoman said it is actively monitoring foot traffic at the Wallsend post office and is looking at ways to improve service at busy times.
"Plans are also in progress for free 24/7 Parcel Lockers at Wallsend which will be a convenient self-service option for customers picking up or sending parcels," she said.
"We acknowledge the wait time can be longer at certain popular times of the day and thank customers for their patience.
"On average, however, Wallsend customers reporter a queuing time of only three minutes during the month of July this year."
In contrast, Ms Claydon said the lack of resourcing is causing considerable stress to people of all ages in the community.
"I really appreciate the time and effort taken by those who have contacted my office to share their concerns and personal experiences with me," she said.
"I stand with the people of Wallsend and support their calls for a properly resourced post office that meets customer and community needs not just now but into the future and I call on Australia Post to invest in their workforce and postal services in Wallsend.
"They deserve nothing less."
The calls for better service follow a series of post office closures across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Windale post office was the fourth to close in June across the region since September 2023.
Earlier this year, residents in Lambton said they were "devastated" to learn the Elder Street post office would be closing in May.
A petition was launched in a bid to keep the post office open which obtained pages of signatures.
