Lachlan Shire councillor Junita Weighton says there is community concern over the billion-dollar Parkes Waste to Energy project which would be near her LGA.

She motioned at a June 18 council meeting to get independent state member for Barwon Roy Butler’s help.

‘’Council requests greater transparency from Parkes Shire Council and the NSW Government, including access to detailed emissions data, water catchment modelling, and freight transport assessments related to the proposed development," Councillor Weighton said.

They resolved that Council prepare and submit a formal submission or public statement to ensure the views and concerns of Lachlan Shire residents are accurately represented in regional planning and consultation processes.

Lachlan ShireCouncil mayor John Medcalf says his councillors want more consultation on the project.

''We are happy with our meeting with MP Roy Butler but we aware this is a state matter and there has been lack of information on this so we want to be in the loop.''

Mr Butler says he has met with Lachlan shire councillors on their request and is working with Phil Donato, Member for Orange, on the matter.

‘’The council had passed a motion to request my involvement in ensuring the Lachlan Shire is involved in consultation around a waste-to-energy incinerator in the neighbouring Parkes Shire," Mr Butler said.

"I have actioned their request, and my parliamentary colleague Phil Donato the local member, is doing a deep dive into waste-to-energy projects, domestic and international, to ascertain if this is something that we should support or oppose."

Mr Donato said he would tour sites which have Energy to Waste projects because of vocal opposition in Parkes over Sydney’s waste being sent by train and look at the pros and cons.

More than 4,000 people have signed a petition against it.

Narromine had a similar project stalled in May 2024 by local people power.

Councillor Judy Smith told the Western Plains App a few weeks ago she was elected on her opposition of the proposed facility.

‘’It posed significant health risks for the community in Narromine and I am concerned for the people of Parkes," she said.

‘’I worked with our community on health and environmental impacts about it being near a flood plain and aquifer.’’

The State Government held the project back following community backlash in Narromine.

The proponent of Parkes Energy to Waste, Tribe Development says their project would bring benefits to the region.

‘’Subject to approvals and once complete, the facility is expected to treat approximately 600,000 tonnes of waste per annum and generate 60MW of baseload electricity.

"The facility will bring a A$1.5 billion investment into regional Australia through the Tribe-led consortium, whose major shareholder is Tadweer Group.’’

The project has support from former Parkes mayor Ken Keith who says it will be a big boost for local jobs and business.