Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour.

Australia Post plans to invest more than AUD2 billion to transform its national logistics network.

CEO Ahmed Fahour says it is the single largest investment in the network in the company’s history and will create a world-class parcel delivery system. The investment will improve automation and expand Australia Post’s footprint across Australia; deliver convenience and choice in parcel delivery for consumers and businesses; expand its network of retail superstores nationally; and make available secure, free, personalised digital mailboxes for every Australian.

The company’s 2011/12 profit grew 16.6% and its after-tax profit was AUD281.2 million. In line with expectations, regulated mail business losses widened to AUD148 million in 2011/12 as Australians continue to turn to online communications.

"We recognise that demand for physical mail services will continue to decrease and, while our parcels business is growing, increased competition and the fixed costs associated with maintaining our national mail network will challenge our ability to continue to grow and invest in the future," Fahour says.

"This AUD2 billion investment in modernising our parcels and retail network and the launch of our new digital channel, the Australia Post Digital MailBox, later this month, are aimed at future proofing our business and underpinning our ability to deliver the services Australians want, need and can afford into the future."