The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has commenced public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Parkes Energy Recovery Facility, a State Significant Development (SSD), providing the community with an opportunity to review the proposal and make submissions.
The application, EIS, and supporting documentation will be on exhibition for six weeks, from Thursday 5 November 2026 until Thursday 17 December 2026.
Parkes Shire Council Mayor Neil Westcott is encouraging community members to review the proposal and have their say.
“This Environmental Impact Statement exhibition is an important opportunity for our community to have its voice heard on a proposal that could have significant implications for the Parkes Shire,” Mayor Westcott said.
The Mayor emphasised that this public exhibition process is separate from the Parliamentary Inquiry currently underway.
“This is a busy time of year, so Council has written to the Department requesting the exhibition period be extended by at least two weeks, given harvest is upon most of the community until Christmas time.”
In February this year, Parkes Shire Council voted unanimously to formally object to the proposed Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facility within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Council’s position reflected strong community concerns regarding the lack of government-led engagement and the availability of credible information relating to the project’s potential impacts. Council will be preparing and lodging its own submission during the exhibition period.
You can view the EIS and supporting documentation online at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects then click on Find a Project.
For help go to https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/help This information includes a step-by-step guide on how to make a submission. If you require further assistance making a submission through the portal, you can contact the Department’s Customer Support on 1300 305 695.