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Economic developmentProud, Resilient, Diverse Parkes Defies The Odds At a time when many rural communities are struggling from prolonged drought Parkes Shire continues to expand … and its resilience and diversity are the cornerstones of its economic strength.
While the gold rush and then the railway and agriculture provided the early impetus, Parkes has evolved dramatically over the past two decades thanks to mining and the development of a transport hub which has positioned Parkes to become a national freight distribution centre. Opened in 1994 the Rio Tinto Northparkes mining operation continues to flourish, with State Government approval recently announced for the E48 venture which will expand the longevity of the mine to at least 2017.
The search is now on to attract skilled employees in transport, logistics, metal fabrication and mining to effectively service these major companies. A $120 million federal budget allocation for a detailed economic-engineering study of the Melbourne-Brisbane inland rail corridor, with which Parkes is integrally linked, has further enhanced Parkes' transport profile. Specialist staff are also required for the $100 million Parkes Garden Estate for which development approval has been provided. A start to work is imminent for this exciting aged care facility which ultimately will accommodate up to 900 new residents of the town. This project will provide opportunity for general practitioners and specialised health care personnel. Community facilities commensurate with this development continue to expand. Already there are three retirement/aged care facilities and three child care centres in Parkes and design planning for a new hospital is about to commence. Sporting and recreational facilities provide for the most diverse need; Education too is paramount with six schools, the innovative and nationally acclaimed birth to kindergarten reading programme and the advent of the Dore Centre, one of only 10 in Australia, all features of the local curriculum.
Parkes is accessible … just 50 minutes on a direct airline service by Regional Express three times a day from Sydney with
Parkes is a tolerant, welcoming and inviting community. Our demographics are changing to meet the economic momentum we enjoy. Contact our economic development and tourism department to arrange your visit … you will not be disappointed.
For your detailed Parkes Shire prospectus contact: |
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© 2008 Parkes Shire Council |
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Three key transport operators, ( FCL, Transtank & SCT Logistics ) have established in Parkes in the past decade, to capitalise on the unique ability to deliver to 82 per cent of Australia's population within 12 hours. Parkes rail culture is strengthened by the presence of Pacific International, Silverton and ARTC. One more significant player, Terminals Australia, has received Government approval for the $135 million first stage of its project in the Parkes hub which will ultimately provide for up to 600 additional employment positions.
30,000 passengers annually. Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane are comfortably accessed by road thanks to Parkes' strategic location on the Newell Highway, the nation's inland motoring corridor.
Parkes enjoys its international status. Its sister city link with Coventry is the oldest of the 505 such links in Australia and dates back to 1938. Polish is the second most commonly spoken dialect in the region thanks to the influx of migrants who made the Parkes Airport RAAF base their home in the early 1950s and then settled in their adopted home town.