Roxane Manley

The youth crime crisis is escalating across parts of regional NSW, with the Minns La­bor Government’s limited bail reforms prov­ing unsuccessful at keeping communities safe.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said a lack of leadership and action has led to a law and order breakdown.

“Youth violence and street crime contin­ues to wreak havoc and it’s hard to ignore the growing chaos in NSW. The police are stretched thin and it seems the Minns Gov­ernment isn’t prioritising public safety,” Mr Toole said.

“Recent incidents highlight just how out of control things are. Public spaces and homes aren’t as safe as they used to be, leaving people questioning if enough is being done to address young reoffenders racking up rap sheets similar to hardened criminals.

“Our regional communities have had a gutful. Residents tell me they are scared and crime has never been as bad as it is right now under a weak Labor Govern­ment. How many more innocent lives will be turned upside down?“Community safety should be the num­ber one priority – not the criminals.

The Opposition will continue to fight for stronger laws and interventions to protect communities.

The new electric vehicle charging station will be located at the Parkes Library carpark.

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to an­nounce the installation of four electric ve­hicle (EV) charging stations in the Parkes Library carpark, supported by funding from the NSW Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants program.

The works were completed last week, and the stations are now in the final stages of configuration and registration. They are anticipated to be operational within the next fortnight, providing a convenient and sus­tainable charging option for all residents, visitors, and Council staff who need to charge their electric vehicles.

This initiative is part of the NSW Govern­ment’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2023 and the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy.

These strategies aim to reduce transport emissions and establish New South Wales as the easiest and most affordable place in Australia to purchase and to operate an EV.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee said that the project demon­strates Council’s commitment to sustain­ability and innovation. “The installation of these charging stations is a key step in sup­porting our community with the transition to electric vehicles and outlines Parkes Shire Council’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future. We’re proud to be a part of this significant state-wide push towards reducing emissions and promoting cleaner, greener transport solutions,” Cr Applebee said.

The charging stations will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and will not be designated exclusively for EVs, making them accessible for everyone.

Council will charge a minimal fee for us­age, which will be determined annually by the average cost of electricity at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre over a 12-month period.

This project will enable Parkes Shire Council to future-proof the community while ensuring we keep pace with evolving tech­nology and sustainability trends.

For further information, please contact Council’s Manager Environment and Sus­tainability, Michael Chambers, on 6861 2333.