Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro released the draft master plan for the Parkes Special Activation Precinct recently. The plan outlines how land should be used across the 4,800 hectare purposely zoned precinct, what businesses could exist and operate there, and how an eco-industrial hub can be established and thrive. Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd said: “We are excited to be working with the NSW Government on the next step towards our community’s long-term vision of developing Parkes as a national logistics hub and inland port.”
“The State’s first Special Activation Precinct will be designed to take advantage of the unique economic opportunities of Parkes’ strategic location at the epicentre of the national freight and logistics network and will create up to 3,000 jobs over the next two decades, adding to the diversity of our economy especially in times of drought.” Kent encouraged residents to take up the opportunity to have their say during the consultation period and help Parkes reach its full potential.
The draft master plan follows 12 months of detailed investigation into the area by government and independent advisors. As part of the investigations, an independent consultant identified land owned by Parkes Shire Mayor as one of the parcels that was strategically important to the hub. To protect against potential conflict of interest, Parkes Shire Council has robust procedures in place to ensure there is no question about probity.
The Parkes National Logisitics Hub Probity Plan, available on Council’s website, describes the principles to be applied, the processes to be used and the controls that will be implemented to promote the integrity of any land acquisitions and ensure that all aspects of the process continue to be above reproach and fair to all. To view the draft master plan and to have your say until 20th October, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/exhibition