Parkes Leagues Club played host to a community information event organised by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance and the room was at capacity.
The Parkes Clean Future Alliance had hoped for a big turnout at their community information night but were absolutely blown away by the response. Just under 600 people filled the club and some people had to stand. It really showed how deeply this “Energy from Waste” issue is affecting our community and how much people want honest, independent information.
MC Kaitie Nash was amazing and the speakers on the night were, Councillor Joy Paddison Parkes Shire Council, Nicole Blinco, Dr Amanda Cohn, Scott Barrett MLC, Chris Hanson No More Incinerators Eastern Suburbs, Geoff Rice and Bruce Maynard.
Ben Stead of the PCFA described the atmosphere as “Engaged and respectful; you could have heard a pin drop the entire night.
People told us they were there because they hadn’t been given a chance to ask questions or understand what this proposal really means for Parkes.
“There’s a lot of concern not just about health and agriculture, but about how this has been allowed to progress without proper consultation. People were grateful for a space where they could be informed and heard.
“The night ran for around 2.5 hours, and covered a lot. Some of the information was a bit complex, but the speakers tried to break it down as much as possible. We couldn’t cover every detail, we focused on the key risks, the gaps in regulation, the alternatives to incineration, the parliamentary inquiry and what people can do. What struck me the most was that people walked away informed and really empowered to act.”
This was just the beginning. The best way to stay updated is through the website parkescleanfuture.org or by following the Parkes Clean Future Alliance on Facebook.