Australians have embraced online shopping at unprecedented levels, with more than 2.3 billion items delivered nationwide in the 2023–2024 financial year and a record $69 billion spent online in 2024 alone. As eCommerce becomes embedded in everyday life, delivery expectations have shifted, and modern developments are evolving to meet them.

As Retail and OOH Manager at Australia Post, Belinda Quinn notes, residents increasingly expect delivery solutions “that align with real life, are flexible, secure and available whenever they need them.”

To support this rising demand, Australia Post is expanding its national Parcel Locker network across both new and existing apartment developments, creating secure, 24/7 access points that fit seamlessly into the places residents already move through. Designed to complement high density living, these installations give residents reliable parcel access on their own schedules while supporting smoother delivery operations for surrounding communities.

Quinn explains that “by integrating Parcel Lockers into new and existing developments in accessible locations, developers can elevate the everyday living experience while supporting more efficient parcel delivery for the broader community.”

This expansion represents Australia Post’s largest investment in parcel infrastructure to date, building on momentum that began in 2011 when the first 24 locker sites were introduced. Today the network spans over 1,250 locations and more than 94,000 individual compartments; with major investment already underway, the next phase will see significant network expansion across the country.

As Quinn highlights, “these installations help future-proof buildings and create lasting value for residents who rely on dependable, convenient access to their deliveries.”

Meeting the needs of today’s online shoppers

Generational shopping behaviours show strong, sustained growth across all cohorts:

Millennials (27–43) led online spend in 2024, contributing nearly $25 billion.

Baby Boomers (60–78) increased their online spend by 17.6%, becoming the fastest growing adopters.

Gen Z and Gen X continue to lean on delivery services as part of their everyday shopping habits.

With many new developments catering to downsizers and lifestyle driven buyers, reliable delivery infrastructure has become a must have rather than a bonus amenity.

Why Parcel Lockers are becoming essential in modern developments

Parcel Lockers give residents secure, always on parcel access. When a delivery arrives, residents receive an instant notification through the Australia Post app or via SMS and retrieve their parcel using a onetime PIN.

Located in thoughtfully chosen, easily accessible areas - including external building interfaces, mixed use precincts or shared communal zones - lockers enhance convenience without requiring internal building access or additional operational oversight.

This placement aligns with how people naturally move through their neighbourhoods, turning parcel pickup into a quick, simple stop on the way in or out.

For residents, Parcel Lockers provide:

• 24/7 flexibility, enabling collection anytime.
• Greater security by minimising the risk of parcels being left unattended.
• A seamless returns experience to support every stage of an online purchase.

For developers, they offer:

• A tech forward amenity that meets modern expectations.
• Reduction in courier congestion and building‑management load - supporting lower emissions and better ESG outcomes.
• A meaningful marketability advantage in high density, eCommerce active areas.
• No cost installation and maintenance, with Australia Post funding the program aside from power access.

As eCommerce continues to expand, Parcel Lockers provide a practical, modern solution that supports resident expectations while reducing failed deliveries - helping developments stay aligned with how people live today.