I would like to extend a warm welcome to Council’s new weighbridge operators, who commenced working at the upgraded Parkes Waste Facility this week. The two operators are now on hand at the new gatehouse and weighbridge to provide im- proved customer service and to familiarise customers with the new system ahead of the introduction of waste disposal charges for domestic loads commencing 1 August . Parkes residents can pick up a Waste Disposal Charges Guide at the Parkes Waste Facility, Council’s Administration Building or download it from Council’s website.

In the coming weeks, residents in Parkes, Peak Hill and Cookamidgera can expect their residential water supply to be briefly interrupted as contractors carry out cleaning of the water mains ahead of the commissioning of the new Water Treatment Plant. This will ensure consumers experience optimal water pressure, taste and quality upon commissioning. Residents will be notified at least 24 hours prior to works taking place in their area.

 

This week we welcomed two State Ministers to the Parkes Shire to announce funding for deserving local projects. Police Minister, Troy Grant MP announced more than $150,000 in funding for Parkes High School’s Re-connect program which aims to keep students focused on their schooling and divert them from anti-social behaviour. Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole MP joined Rick Colless MLC to announce $500,000 for a major upgrade of Berryman Park in Trundle. The upgrades will include new seating, lighting, amenities block and grandstands.

A little rain didn’t deter around 150 residents, local school students and visitors from attending the official dedication ceremony of the new Parkes Peace Precinct this week. Relocated to the M&D theatre due to the wet weather, the ceremony featured a special flash mob performance by the M&D, who sang I am Australian. The new precinct, located within the Rotary Arboretum on the corner of East and Bushman Streets, features a dry creek bed running down the perimeter of the tree line with five timber sculptures featuring indigenous designs. Each sculpture carries a message of peace. Congratulations to all who contributed to the project which reflects out peaceful and harmonious community.

This week we welcomed NSW Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts for the launch of the Central West and Orana Regional Plan, which is a blueprint for planning and land use decisions for the 19 local government areas in the region, including the Parkes Shire.

Parkes also welcomed NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Mar- shall to inspect the Parkes Regional Airport ahead of the proposed expansion to commence later this year. The State Govern- ment contributed $1.3 million, which will see upgrades to the runway, parking apron and business park area.

Council contractors have started the ex- pansion of the Parkes skate park this week. The $150,000 project will see specialist contractors, Trinity Skate Parks construct a junior development park. It’s expected the project will take six weeks to complete. Motorists may have noticed some activity along Bushman Street and Jensen Lane recently. Construction is now complete on the resealing of the road and footpath upgrades.

Local sporting groups and educational institutions can apply for funding under the next round of Northparkes Sports Grants. For sporting clubs and organisations wanting to learn how to make a standout application, Council’s grants officers will be hosting a workshop on Wednesday, 21st June from 12:30 to 1:30pm at Parkes Library. To reserve your spot contact 6861 2398.

We welcomed Daryl Lawrence from the Department of Industry – Lands and Forestry on Monday to officially switch on the new floodlights at Jock Colley Field at Pioneer Oval. The new lights will allow Parkes to host larger carnivals at night, and facilitate a more flexible timetable for matches and training. I thank the Department of Industry for its contribution of $29,000 towards the $70,000 project.The popular Parkes Picnic Races will kick off the long weekend in style tomorrow. This is a staple event in the social calen- dar for many locals. There will be plenty of trackside entertainment, live music by One Non Blond and the popular Fashions on the Field. Tickets available at the gate.

On Sunday the Parkes Spacemen meet neighbouring rivals Forbes Magpies at Jock Colley Oval. It is sure to be a stellar match with a tremendous display of local talent.

 

On Wednesday over 180 children packed the Coventry Room for a live performance of The Cow Tripped Over the Moon for National Simultaneous Storytime. Parkes Shire Library staff joined libraries, schools and bookshops across Australia to simultaneously act out the picture book.

Parkes welcomed up-and-coming sport- ing stars with the NSW PSSA AFL championships and the Netball NSW Schools Cup for the West/Central West areas held in town this week.

As part of the first stage of implemen- tation of the Parkes Main Street Vibrancy Strategy, temporary outdoor dining platforms will be piloted in the CBD. The platforms, designed exclusively for Parkes Shire Council, are transportable and will allow businesses to increase their dining capacity and expand the outdoor dining options in the town centre. Bella’s Café will be the first establishment to trial the dining platform.

This week, Council staff joined members of the Parkes Rotary Club to complete the landscaping on the new Peace Precinct at the Rotary Arbotorium. Residents will soon be able to enjoy the space designed for reflection and to gather each year for world peace. Five wooden pillars, designed by local artist Sean Cassidy, have been installed along a dry creek bed representing Respect, Rejection of violence, Resolution, Reconciliation and Freedom. An official dedication ceremony is planned for 28th June at 11am and the community is invited.

On Wednesday we acknowledged the important role local educators play in our community as part of National Family Day Care Week. Central West Family Day Care hosted a superhero-themed disco in the Coventry Room, providing an opportunity for the children, families and carers to celebrate the service.

As part of Law Week, held from 15th to 21st May, Parkes Library hosted an event promoting community awareness around online scams. Cyber Safety for Older people outlined the common online scams residents may encounter, and provided practical tips on how to protect yourself.

I am elated at this week’s federal budget announcement of $8.4 billion towards the devel- opment of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project. This significant investment will see the project become the critical backbone of transport and logistics driving our nation’s global competitiveness into the future. I commend the Turnbull government on the announcement. It’s estimated that around 150 new jobs in the agriculture, manufacturing and mining sectors could be created in Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan local government areas.

Congratulations to the Trundle ABBA festi- val for delivering a record-breaking event at the weekend. Around 6,000 eager Dancing Queens and Fernandos packed Trundle’s main street to take part in the festivities, with feature artists Bjorn Again and the sold-out Kransky Sisters topping off a f-ABBA-lous weekend.

This week, Council turned yellow as part of National Road Safety Week 2017. Council’s fleet vehicles displayed a yellow ribbon, the Cooke Park fountain turned yellow and Council staff wore yellow lapel ribbons to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving. The newly upgraded children’s crossing at Holy Family was officially opened yesterday as part of the campaign to deliver improved

volved by taking the online pledge at www. sarahgroup.org.

Have a safe and fABBAlous week.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire