RMS all talk on Parkes bypass

The proposed 10.5 kilometre route was officially revealed on December 8 by Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay, that will include leaving the existing highway at Maguire Road, reconnecting at Barkers Road and building a new bridge over the Parkes-Broken Hill rail line.

Feedback will play a vital role in the project’s development and provides an opportunity for Parkes people to have their say.

The RMS’s project team has been holding a number of sessions with key stakeholders and community members, with more to come in the new year.

Their first briefing session was held with Parkes councillors and Parkes Shire Council staff on December 12, with another session that afternoon with the Parkes Chamber of Commerce.

The first community session took place near Parkes Woolworths on December 13, lasting five hours and attracting more than 160 people.

The second session on December 15 lasted three hours and drew more than 90 people.

“There’s just been a lot of interest,” project manager Doug Moore said.

“Of the responses we’ve received, more than 90 per cent has been positive.

“It’s a concept display so we’re actively encouraging members of the community to provide their feedback.”

There were another two sessions last Friday – in front of Discount Daves in Clarinda Street – and Saturday – near Woolworths.

These sessions attracted another 181 people.

And there is four more to come: January 13 12pm-3pm in Clarinda Street, January 31 9am-1pm (Woolies) and 3pm-5pm (Clarinda Street), February 2 9am-1pm (Clarinda Street) and 3.30pm-6pm (Woolies).

“You can also have your say online or post a hard copy,” Mr Moore said.

“We’re prepared to talk to everyone, we want to get this right.

“We want to have another session with the Chamber of Commerce in January and meet with more key stakeholders, basically whoever will be impacted or has an interest.”

There are also unmanned displays at the Parkes Library and in the foyer of Service NSW Centre. All feedback is due by 5pm February 10.