Parkes may be best known for Elvis fans and a giant telescope dish but the NSW town is in line for a $65 million economic boost.
The NSW Government says three companies are to set up operations in a ‘special activation’ precinct that should create more than 200 short- and long-term jobs.
Soul Origin wants to build a cold storage, warehousing and distribution centre, Ecotech Enviro wants to process raw steel into fabricated steel components for construction, infrastructure and industrial projects, and Maya Recycling wants to build a plastic recycling facility to process mixed plastic waste.
The government says the companies have signed contracts in the latest land release for the site and must go through the planning and approvals process to seal the deal.
The companies are eyeing a 2029 start date for operations.
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty says the decision should help attract more industries and create jobs with 12 businesses now based in the precinct.
“The strong response to the latest land release shows that industry has real confidence in the future of the Parkes precinct,” she says.
“From cold storage to recycling and resource recovery, the businesses joining the precinct reflect the diverse and sustainable industries we want to see growing in this region.”
PARKES LOCATION APPEALS
A Soul Origin Australia spokesperson says they are spending up on retail and manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain capability to support their growth across Australia and New Zealand.
“Central locations such as Parkes represents an exciting opportunity due to its strategic location, logistics connectivity, and future scalability, making it a compelling location to support future operational expansion as the business continues to evolve.”
Ecotech Enviro General Manager Alex Soukie says Parkes has become “a key location of interest” due to its connectivity and infrastructure investment.
The revamped inland rail project will run from Melbourne to Perth via Parkes after the northern line, to Brisbane, was shelved; click here for our story.
“We believe our investment will support the economic growth of the region through job creation, local procurement, and long-term operational presence,” he says.
“Ecotech Enviro will produce fabricated steel components, structural steel assemblies, truck bodies, and custom steel products for use in construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
“The finished products will be supplied to construction and infrastructure projects across NSW and regional areas.”
Maya Recycling director Vishal Patel says the town’s location and infrastructure was also attractive to them to deliver large-scale circular economy projects.
“Maya Recycling is committed to … prioritising hiring from the Central West,” he says.
“Our support for local suppliers and contractors during construction and operation will contribute to regional economic growth.”
