The next stage of the project involves the construction of an all-abilities gravel pathway around the wetlands to facilitate recreational activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.

The first stage of Council’s project to rehabilitate the Parkes Wetlands is complete, and the next stage of works are set to begin in the coming months.

Major earthworks and initial revegetation activities were finalised in late 2023, marking the completion of a NSW Environmental Trust funded project to create a diverse wetland system, including revegetating surrounding land to establish habitat for native flora and fauna.

The site has since been flooded and waterbirds have returned to the wetlands in large numbers, including some rare species not often seen in Parkes.

President of the Lachlan Valley branch of the National Parks Association, Martin Bell, said the presence of rare bird species demonstrates the importance of rehabilitation projects such as this in the face of a decline in wetland environments worldwide.

“In the past this site has been recognised as an important resting and feeding area for many migratory and sedentary species. This initiative will ensure these precious birds have a safe haven to gather and will provide an excellent opportunity for keen observers to sight some rare species,” said Mr Bell.

The wetlands are filled with water from Council’s Advanced Water Recycling Facility which reclaims up to 250 megalitres of wastewater a year and provides safe water for irrigation at various parks and recreational areas in town.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Neil Westcott, said the use of recycled water in the wetlands is of great benefit to the township.

“By creating this additional source of water, Council has significantly minimised the amount of potable water used on green spaces in town, made projects like the wetlands possible, and made our drinking water supply more secure in dry times,” Mayor Westcott said.

The site will remain closed to the public until works are complete.

For more information visit: bit.ly/ParkesWetlands

Arts OutWest invites artists of all kinds to a free workshop in Parkes on Wednesday 3 April 5.30-7pm in the Marramarrra Makerspace.

Arts OutWest’s new regional project is called VISION 20/50 an (im)possible festival. It asks artists to come up with a big idea for a festival hypothetically set in the year 2050.

To aid artists in crafting their submissions a series of free workshops will guide participants through exercises and tasks designed to stimulate their imagination and envision the endless possibilities for their future artwork.

“We want artist to dream up an artwork that could be made in the year 2050, in the Central West, that speaks to a radically aspirational vision for a possible future for our region,” explains Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead.

“We want to hear from artists in our region – or with strong connections to the region – across all creative art forms, including visual arts, performance, music, literature, new media, screen, and other (im)possible artforms yet to emerge,” Ms Shead said.

“We welcome anyone creative, of any age, to these workshops, whether you end up putting in an expression of interest or not,” Ms Shead said.

Book for the Parkes workshop via Eventbrite

Expressions of interest are now open for artists with a hypothetical work of art for this project. Up to 8 artists will be selected to participate in a weekend residency alongside a leading Australian futurist where they will further develop their concept. They will then work with multi-media practitioners from the region to turn their concept into something that will be shared at a festival launch event at the end of this year

Expressions of interest for the whole project close Thursday 11 April 2024.

Find information, workshop registrations and EOI submission forms at www.vision2050festival.com

Parkes Airport is an airport located 4NM northeast of Parkes, New South Wales..

The Parkes Regional Airport apron lighting upgrade is now complete, shining the way towards safer aviation operations.

This project involved replacing the outdated apron lighting system, originally installed in 1974, with modern, energy-efficient LED lights that meet current standards and deliver the necessary lux levels.

Apron lighting helps to guide aircraft and also ground vehicles to the correct positions on the runway apron, such as to a gate or a maintenance area.

The new LED lights were installed on two existing towers, and a new tower was installed to improve and broaden the lighting.

The brighter lights will increase the effectiveness of CCTV security monitoring of the precinct and provide a safer operational area for aircraft crew, passengers, emergency services and aero-medical evacuations.

The project was delivered thanks to $55,357 from the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program, with Parkes Shire Council providing a matching contribution.

Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King had this to say about the project “Parkes Regional Airport provides the local community with a critical connection to Sydney, keeping them connected with family, friends and services such as healthcare. “Not only will this upgrade bolster safety for passengers, it will also back the vital aviation medical and firefighting services that operate in the region – making a real difference when an emergency situation strikes.”

Parkes Shire Council Mayor, Neil Westcott also added “There are many community members that rely on the Parkes Regional Airport to conduct business, access essential social services and medical specialists, as well as stay in touch with friends and family.

“The airport provides vital services to the Royal Flying Doctor, Air Ambulance, Angel Flight and NSW Rural Fire Service. This project replaced almost 50-year-old lighting and complements the other improvement projects across the airport precinct over the past 10 years.”