The push for a Parliamentary inquiry into the proposed $1.5 billion Parkes waste-to-energy facility is gaining momentum, as community concerns mount — but the town’s mayor says it’s not a simple debate.

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott says Council has been trying to get answers from the State Government for months, and while the project sits outside their control, the community deserves far better communication from those behind it.

“There’s a real information void right now,” said Mayor Westcott.

“We would love more consultation and communication from the State Government, not just for Council, but for the whole community.”

Nationals MPs Scott Barrett and Nichole Overall will move to establish the inquiry when Parliament returns in August, saying regional communities like Parkes deserve the chance to question a project that could see 600,000 tonnes of Sydney’s red bin waste burned locally each year.

Lessons learned in Narromine

In 2023, Narromine faced a similar battle when a waste-to-energy facility was proposed for the region, sparking fierce community backlash and widespread concern over health, environmental, and agricultural impacts.

The project was ultimately paused by the NSW Government following sustained pressure from residents, advocacy groups, and councillors, including Cr Judy Smith, who campaigned against it during the local government elections.

Narromine Shire Council formally opposed the project, citing a lack of transparency and community consultation, concerns that closely mirror those now emerging in Parkes.

The Mayor acknowledged the project comes with both perceived benefits and serious concerns, depending on who you speak to in the community.

“Some people are deeply anxious and fear what this could mean for our health and environment.

"Others want to understand the process better, and many in the business community see the economic opportunity,” he said.

The call for an inquiry follows rising concern from across the Western Plains, but the Mayor wonders what a second inquiry would achieve that hasn’t already been considered in past reviews.

“I’m not sure what more a second one will find, but if it means better communication from government and the EPA, then it could be a positive step.”

Cr Westcott said Parkes Council’s role is to reflect community concerns and ensure state agencies are listening.

“Parkes has a proud clean, green agricultural image — and people want to know this project won’t damage that,” he said.

“Morally and ethically, you can’t move forward if there’s foreseeable risk.”

The NSW Government has cited looming landfill shortages in Sydney, with Environment Minister Penny Sharpe saying the Parkes Energy Recovery Facility will help avoid a waste crisis while delivering local jobs and investment.

But with emotions running high and trust in the consultation process wearing thin, the Nationals say it’s time for proper scrutiny.

“This inquiry will allow people to make contributions and have their questions answered – which is something that’s been sorely missing from the consultation phase of these projects,” Scott Barrett stated.

With the environmental assessment still underway and the project years from completion, Mayor Westcott said the community deserves clear, science-backed answers, but fears that may not be what ultimately drives the decision.

“Politics may end up being the overall influencer. I would have preferred that science led the way, but as with most things, it’s likely politics will have the final say.”

As the community waits for answers and the State Government weighs its next move, the push for a Parliamentary inquiry is about trust, transparency, and ensuring regional voices are not sidelined in decisions that shape their future.

Whether driven by science or politics, what happens next in Parkes will set a precedent for how the state handles its waste crisis, and how it listens to the communities expected to carry the load.