Parkes Special Activation Precinct

Cold chain logistics operators can capitalise on the Parkes precinct’s existing, thriving road freight industry and its location at the crossroads of Australia’s major freight rail lines.

Parkes is also a gateway to one of NSW’s most productive agricultural regions with a thriving food manufacturing industry. This offers investors an opportunity to develop a built-for-purpose facility, with intermodal access to 80% of Australians overnight.

The Central West region generates more than $4.9 billion in agricultural products, Parkes precinct’s transport connectivity offers innovative manufacturers a chance to capitalise on the expected growth in grain-based food products. 

Parkes is ideal as a central hub for mining. There are world-class gold and copper mines nearby and more than 15 critical mineral projects in the region.

The precinct will offer access to four major ports within 24 hours with unsurpassed access to rail carriage for heavy materials.

It offers a unique opportunity to connect mineral extraction projects with growing demand for critical metals and rare sands.

Investors can access the skilled mining, resources and metallurgical workforce supporting the existing minerals industry.

The Parkes precinct will be NSW’s first dedicated resources and recycling precinct with direct rail access. Recyclers can access feedstock from 80% of the Australian population overnight.

Investors can establish their own collection network or leverage existing collectors and cost-effective onsite storage.

• Australia generates in excess of 540,000 tonnes of e-waste each year
• By 2026 the National Television & Computer Recycling Scheme aims to increase the volume of e-waste recycled by 63%
• Metals reclaimed through recycled e-waste valued at $370 million each year in Australia.

Demand for plant-based meat substitutes is growing rapidly. This sector is expected to grow by 3.6% by 2025 while the global plant-based meat industry is expected to exceed US$140 billion by 2029. 

The precinct will promote sustainability and offer opportunities within the growing plastic recycling industry.

Australians use 3.5 million metric tonnes of plastic each year with only 13% of domestic plastic recycled. The export of mixed plastics from Australia was banned in 2021, increasing the opportunities for domestic recycling.

The Parkes Special Activation Precinct will provide efficient recycled and renewable energy and strong telecommunications infrastructure. 

Data centre operations can leverage the region’s existing skilled workforce – more than 60% of the region’s workforce holds a certificate or higher-level qualification – and low natural hazard risk. 

A proposed energy from waste facility will provide a reliable energy source for businesses in the Parkes precinct. It will also play a key role in the precinct’s circular economy, using technology proven throughout the world. 

There are opportunities to optimise the waste stream, including: 

• recycling, reuse and re-manufacturing 

• on-site energy from waste facility for residual waste 

Energy from Waste factsheet

Appropriate management and mitigation measures will be used to ensure any necessary vegetation removal is undertaken in line with:

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 No 63
• Any conditions of approval outlined in the precinct’s master plan

Plans are in place to mitigate and reduce noise impacts where possible including: 

• maximising the distance between noisy equipment and nearby properties 

• scheduling noisy work at less sensitive time periods (such as during the day or early evening, where possible) 

• regular maintenance of equipment 

• installing noise control equipment on machinery and tools 

• noise compliance monitoring 

• use of temporary noise barriers 

• scheduling respite periods for high noise activities, such as saw cutting 

• providing advanced notice of planned noisy work to neighbouring communities to help them plan 

• the use of squawkers rather than beepers on vehicles 

• directing the noise and lights away from residents when possible 

• training and induction of workforce to ensure best practice

Stage 1 Enabling Works provides work opportunities for young people, disadvantaged and under-represented groups. It also provides employment and training to local residents. 

Traineeships and apprenticeships will address skills shortages within the construction industry and NSW. This aligns with the NSW Government’s Smart & Skilled Program and NSW Skills Program. 

Apprentices and trainees will be engaged directly by Fulton Hogan, subcontractors or group training companies. 

To register your interest, please contact the Fulton Hogan project team:

• Phone: 1800 329 135
• Email: ParkesSAP@fultonhogan.com.au

The Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APiC) policy was developed to support greater participation by Aboriginal people in government construction projects across NSW.

Under the policy, a minimum of 1.5 per cent of project spend must be dedicated to Aboriginal participation.

The project is currently exceeding this. Its focus is on:

• direct and indirect employment (employees, subcontractors and labour hire)
• awarding contracts to Aboriginal businesses
• buying goods and services from Aboriginal businesses
• education – cultural awareness, training courses for Aboriginal workers
• payments to Aboriginal businesses/community organisations
• other types of expenditure.

For more information, please contact the Fulton Hogan project team:

• Phone: 1800 329 135
• Email: ParkesSAP@fultonhogan.com.au