Parkes Special Activation Precinct

Cold chain logistics operators can capitalise on the Parkes precinct’s existing, thriving road freight industry and its location at the crossroads of Australia’s major freight rail lines.

Parkes is also a gateway to one of NSW’s most productive agricultural regions with a thriving food manufacturing industry. This offers investors an opportunity to develop a built-for-purpose facility, with intermodal access to 80% of Australians overnight.

The Central West region generates more than $4.9 billion in agricultural products, Parkes precinct’s transport connectivity offers innovative manufacturers a chance to capitalise on the expected growth in grain-based food products.

Parkes is ideal as a central hub for mining. There are world-class gold and copper mines nearby and more than 15 critical mineral projects in the region.

The precinct will offer access to four major ports within 24 hours with unsurpassed access to rail carriage for heavy materials. 

Investors can access the skilled mining, resources and metallurgical workforce supporting the existing minerals industry.

The Parkes precinct will be NSW’s first dedicated resources and recycling precinct with direct rail access. Recyclers can access feedstock from 80% of the Australian population overnight.

Investors can establish their own collection network or leverage existing collectors and cost-effective onsite storage.

• Australia generates in excess of 540,000 tonnes of e-waste each year
• By 2026 the National Television & Computer Recycling Scheme aims to increase the volume of e-waste recycled by 63%
• Metals reclaimed through recycled e-waste valued at $370 million each year in Australia.

Demand for plant-based meat substitutes is growing rapidly. This sector is expected to grow by 3.6% by 2025 while the global plant-based meat industry is expected to exceed US$140 billion by 2029.

The precinct will promote sustainability and offer opportunities within the growing plastic recycling industry.

Australians use 3.5 million metric tonnes of plastic each year with only 13% of domestic plastic recycled. The export of mixed plastics from Australia was banned in 2021, increasing the opportunities for domestic recycling.

The Parkes Special Activation Precinct will provide efficient recycled and renewable energy and strong telecommunications infrastructure. 

Data centre operations can leverage the region’s existing skilled workforce – more than 60 of the region’s workforce holds a certificate or higher-level qualification – and low natural hazard risk.

A proposed energy from waste facility will provide a reliable energy source for businesses in the Parkes precinct. It will also play a key role in the precinct’s circular economy, using technology proven throughout the world. 

There are opportunities to optimise the waste stream, including: 

• recycling, reuse and re-manufacturing
• on-site energy from waste facility for residual waste