The beginning of a new era for Parkes is due to start next month after the awarding of a multi-million dollar construction contract for the design and build of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct (SAP).
Fulton Hogan was announced last week as the successful tenderer for the $126 million contract. The NSW Government’s five Special Activation Precincts, of which Parkes is the first one, have a vision of economic growth and jobs through the creation of innovative business hubs.
“These precincts are going to be a huge boon for the bush,” said Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation CEO Brendan Nelson. “This is just the start – with up to 125 construction jobs coming online with this contract and up to 3,000 jobs being created in total within the precinct.”
Parkes Shire General Manager Kent Boyd PSM said this was a significant milestone in seeing the Parkes Special Activation Precinct come to life. “Our strategic vision for expanding the Parkes National Logistics Hub and creating long term economic prosperity for our community has been realised. The Parkes Special Activation Precinct will be a hub of innovation and enterprise, creating thousands of jobs for our community.
He said Council would work closely with the lead contractors to connect them with local suppliers and businesses that can contribute services and supplies during the construction phase to ensure maximum economic benefits for the community.
Fulton Hogan’s contract for initial works comprises an upgrade to Brolgan Road to incorporate a roundabout with the new Coopers Road, two bridges over the railway lines, a new 30MVa sub-station and all supporting utilities including sewer and water, electricity and gas, telecommunications and more than 7km of new roads. Work is expected to begin next month and will be completed by March 2023.
Once complete, the new infrastructure will open around 1,500 hectares for development.
The Parkes SAP is located on 4,800 hectares of land earmarked for a range of uses including freight and logistics, processing of food such as plant-based proteins, warehousing, plastic and e-waste recycling and cold chain storage.
In December last year Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, announced the Parkes SAP was one the sites earmarked for the implementation of its Plas-tics Mission. The Parkes SAP is destined to become an eco-industrial park as an Australian first to end plastic waste by reinventing the way plastic is made, processed and recycled.
The vision of the Parkes Shire Council for over 20 years came to fruition in July last year when the NSW Government committed $185.4 million the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Special Activation Precincts are being delivered by the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation and funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. To follow the progress of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, go to https://www.rgdc.nsw.gov.au/precincts/parkes