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PCP20250424

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THE POST, Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Page 1

parkeschampionpost.com.au

ESTABLISHED 1891 Thursday, April 24, 2025

clittle@midwestmedia.com.au

$2.20 inc GST

parkeschampionpost.com.au

PARKES VOTES: 10 FOR SEAT OF PARKES MEET THE CANDIDATES STARTS INSIDE TODAY

TWO PURSUITS END IN ARREST OF 42YO MAN

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We’re here and we’re open

Towns can thrive with a bypass WE’RE no longer a highway town. “Parkes is growing up” were the words Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison used when she was in town last week to mark the opening of the Parkes Bypass. She said towns have thrived when a highway has been shifted from its centre, using Yass as an example, while at the same time its residents enjoy the safety and amenity that comes with a bypass. ■ READ THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

Pre-poll opens on Saturday

NEXT STEP FOR BYPASS IS SIGNAGE By CHRISTINE LITTLE THE bypass is open, more than a thousand trucks per day are gone from the centre of town, and now it’s time to focus on making Parkes a destination. That’s the message from Parkes Business Chamber president Geoff Rice. And that’s the plan for the next stage of the project, said Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison - $3 million for signage to advertise Parkes. Mr Rice accompanied Minister Aitchison, State Member for Orange Phil Donato, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies and MLC for Orange and Dubbo

Stephen Lawrence last Thursday to mark the opening of the $287.2 million Parkes Bypass, a new 10.5km section of the Newell Highway. While recognising the significant change in how people will move in and around Parkes and through the Central West, Mr Rice said the business community wants drivers to know they are still here. “With the support of Council we want to make this a huge benefit for Parkes,” he said. “We want to make sure our businesses don’t lose out... That’s why we need to follow-up with signage making sure people know we’re still here and we’re open, and Parkes is beautiful.” Mr Rice admitted businesses

7 DAYS A WEEK

questioned the timing of the bypass’ opening, being so close to the Easter break and school holidays when so many families hit the open road. “There are still more things coming,” he said. “There are positives and negatives... We want to make Parkes more of a destination instead of people being pushed through town. “The bypass is built for trucks, the road through town isn’t. “We really do think it will be a good thing... We’ve just got to see through the change.” Minister Aitchison said Transport for NSW will work with businesses to help increase visitation to Parkes, with plans for short term messaging signs during the final construction

ultimate

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of the bypass’ access roads over the next few months, long term signage and easy wayfinding maps in the works. She believes the bypass will put Parkes on the map as a place people will be interested in and “will want to go in and explore”. ■ Condinued on page 6. PICTURED ABOVE: MLC for Orange and Dubbo Stephen Lawrence, Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, State Member for Orange Phil Donato, Parkes Business Chamber president Geoff Rice. PHOTO: Christine Little

As pre-polling in the Federal Election opens across the country this week, for Parkes Shire residents it will be taking place this Saturday, 26 April. Those needing to cast their votes ahead of election day, Saturday, 3 May, can attend the Parkes PCYC from 9am Saturday. Pre-poll voting will last right up until the night before the election. The Parkes PCYC is also one of 10 locations within the Parkes Shire residents can attend to vote on election day, Saturday, 3 May. ■ Check dates and locations on page 5.

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