THE POST, Thursday, March 27, 2025 - Page 1
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ESTABLISHED 1891 Thursday, March 27, 2025
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ABBA Festival future uncertain Parkes Shire Council is unable to continue funding the Trundle ABBA Festival in its current form it said in a statement released to the public on Friday afternoon. Increasing financial constraints and competing essential services are the reasons behind the decision. Council acknowledged the ABBA Festival is a much-loved event that has brought joy to the community, attracted visitors from across Australia and provided a significant boost to businesses, tourism, and hospitality. The decision follows a twoyear funding trial after the event’s cancellation in 2022 due to significant inclement weather. Council has however indicated it is eager to see the event continue and is exploring all possible funding opportunities, including grant funding, to support the festival’s future. Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said it was a difficult decision and expressed appreciation for the Trundle community’s willingness to collaborate on potential solutions. “We are saddened to make this decision about an event that brings so much joy to the community and visitors who travel from near and far to attend,” he said. “[Thursday] night I met with the Trundle community alongside my fellow councillors, and we are grateful for their ■ Continued on page 8
The proposed Parkes Energy Recovery, Energy from Waste facility to be located within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Powerful next step $1.5 billion Energy from Waste facility development in Parkes approved
By CHRISTINE LITTLE An Energy from Waste facility could be up and running in Parkes by 2030. It was on the agenda at Parkes Shire Council’s 18 March ordinary meeting after an extensive market process by Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation (RGDC) appointed
a consortium led by Tribe Infrastructure Group to develop the project. The anticipated $1.5 billion investment makes it the largest single investment in the history of Parkes. Called the Parkes Energy Recovery, it will include a state-of-the-art Energy from Waste facility that will use globally proven technology
to recover non-hazardous residual waste material that cannot be recycled and turn it into electricity, heat and steam. The proposed facility will be located within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct where waste will be delivered directly by rail from dedicated transfer stations in Sydney.
It will divert an estimated 600,000 tonnes of waste per annum from landfill and generate at least 60 megawatts of energy. Enough to power 80,000 homes per year. It will also create up to 400 jobs during construction, expected to take place in 2027, and 50 permanent jobs for the life of the facility.
Councillors and Council’s Executive Management Team met with representatives from Parkes Energy Recovery where questions and concerns on health, air emissions and the environment were raised. This took place prior to the monthly meeting during which councillors voted ■ Continued on page 3
7 DAYS A WEEK 22-36 Parkes Road, Fo bes (Next doo to Bunnings)