I refer to the Geoff Dunford letter to the Champion Post on 25 September, 2025.

He states that Parkes Council voted for 10 years of budget deficits, without any public discussion.

I agree that there is a governance issue at Parkes Council.

An example of this is the current council meeting practice of the voting and the passing of resolutions first, then asking for councillor’s questions. This is contrary to accepted meeting practice.

Another example of lax governance being undertaken is:

• Lack of understanding of the NSW Local Government Act.

• The council is secretive. Parkes Council uses Commercial in Confidence too frequently, and uses it to hide discussions that should be undertaken in a public meeting.

I agree that general expenses need to be systematically reduced.

For example, there are too many staff, especially in the administration function.

There are five direct reports to the general manager.

These direct reports are four directors and a chief financial officer, with combined salary packages totalling $1,010,815 in 2023-24. An average of around $202,000 per year.

There is a need to review all programs and budgets, with the aim of introducing a policy of balanced budgets in order to achieve financial sustainability.

Additionally there is also a need for an Enquiry into the budget and operations of Parkes Council.

John Coulston, Parkes

COUNCIL RESPONDS TO LETTER

We have previously responded to budget questions. (See last week's Parkes Champion Post for Parkes Shire Council's response to Geoff Dunford's letter from 25 September).

With respect to the suggestion that Council meeting practice is contrary to accepted meeting practice.

The NSW Office of Local Government “Model code of meeting practice for local councils in NSW” prescribes how debate should be conducted. The code requires a mover and seconder of a motion before debate can proceed, which is precisely how Parkes Council conducts the Council meetings.

In terms of what is considered in closed council and what is not, this is also prescribed by the Local Government Act, it is not arbitrarily decided.

Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd

CAN'T WAIT TO VISIT

The Editor,

Through your paper I would like to say how much we are looking forward to visiting Parkes this coming weekend of the 10th,11th and 12th, when Keep Australia Beautiful NSW will announce the 2025 Awards.

As winners of the top NSW Tidy Town in 2024 Parkes will host the attendees to the awards weekend.

Apart from the community spirit that is engendered, the weekend has an economic benefit which comes when the NSW Tidy Towners descend for their weekend and the ongoing benefit of the word of mouth of their visit as they return home flows-on.

Please know Parkes we know your success comes from hard-work and your wonderful community endeavours, but the effort is well worthwhile.

There is pride and spirit that exists in all country towns as is the case with us Singletonians however, when the year is over, you will have an even stronger, prouder and more unified community.

A simple action that all residents can do is smile and say hello; it goes a long way to making people feel welcome and hope you are all as excited as we are to visit your special part of NSW.

All my best wishes and congratulations to the community of Parkes.

Lyn MacBain, Chairperson of the Singleton Tidy Towns Committee