A powerful message from Parkes Farmers can be seen on the Newell Highway as you are entering Parkes, and the message is very clear, Parkes does not want to be Sydney’s dumping ground.
A march this Saturday is being organised by local farmers and members of the Parkes community who are concerned about the long-term future of our agricultural region if a proposed Energy from Waste facility goes ahead in Parkes.
Parkes farmer Sharon Woods “This land is more than just a business, it is our home, our history, and our children’s future. Our livelihoods, like those of so many farming families across this district, depend entirely on the health of our soil, our water, our market access and our community. This march is about protecting the integrity, productivity and future of our region.”
Mayor Neil Westcott said, “As the Mayor of Parkes Shire and as a farmer in our Shire, I fully support the march taking place this Saturday. There is no doubt about the anxiety this issue has caused among our rural constituents. The weekend will be a strong display of solidarity across all levels of government, sending a clear message that Parkes is not the place for an Energy from Waste facility.”
Phil Donato MP has also thrown his support behind the march, saying: “The Parkes community don’t want this facility in their backyard. If it’s not good enough to go in Sydney, then it’s not good enough to be forced onto Parkes and other regional communities. Sydney should be responsible for managing its own waste.”
Meet at the Sir Henry Parkes Statue this Saturday 28 February at 9.30am to join the march to Cooke Park. Speakers on the day will include Sharon Woods – Local Farmer, Philip Donato MP, Rebecca Reardon – NSW Farmers and Cr Joy Paddison.