Contact MAYOR NEIL WESTCOTT
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Mayor Neil Westcott
Parkes Shire Council2 Cecile Street | PO Box 337Parkes NSW 2870
e: council@parkes.nsw.gov.au
Dear Mayor Westcott,
RE: Request for Parkes Shire Council to Oppose the Proposed Energy-from-Waste Incinerator
I am writing as a concerned resident of Parkes to respectfully urge Parkes Shire Council to take a strong, public stance opposing the proposed Parkes Energy Recovery Facility (Energy-from-Waste incinerator).
This project poses serious and unacceptable risks to our health, environment, agricultural industry, and the future sustainability of our region. Waste incinerators are associated with toxic emissions, including dioxins and heavy metals, which have been linked to health problems, soil and food contamination, and environmental degradation. The proposed Energy-from-Waste incinerator fundamentally undermines waste reduction, recycling, and building a circular economy. Incineration creates a financial and operational incentive to maintain high volumes of waste, directly conflicting with efforts to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling and resource recovery. It locks Parkes into a linear system rather than supporting true circular economy principles. This project risks entrenching outdated waste management practices that contradict both local and state environmental goals for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Given the above risks, I respectfully request that Council:
RE: Request for Parkes Shire Council to Oppose the Proposed Energy-from-Waste Incinerator
I am writing as a concerned resident of Parkes to respectfully urge Parkes Shire Council to take a strong, public stance opposing the proposed Parkes Energy Recovery Facility (Energy-from-Waste incinerator).
This project poses serious and unacceptable risks to our health, environment, agricultural industry, and the future sustainability of our region. Waste incinerators are associated with toxic emissions, including dioxins and heavy metals, which have been linked to health problems, soil and food contamination, and environmental degradation. The proposed Energy-from-Waste incinerator fundamentally undermines waste reduction, recycling, and building a circular economy. Incineration creates a financial and operational incentive to maintain high volumes of waste, directly conflicting with efforts to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling and resource recovery. It locks Parkes into a linear system rather than supporting true circular economy principles. This project risks entrenching outdated waste management practices that contradict both local and state environmental goals for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Given the above risks, I respectfully request that Council:
- Pass a formal resolution stating Parkes Shire Council’s opposition to the proposed Energy-from-Waste facility;
- Write to the NSW Premier, Regional NSW, Environment and Planning Ministers, formally requesting the project be halted and a full independent health and environmental assessment conducted;
- Call for genuine community consultation, ensuring the voices of local residents, farmers, and businesses are heard;
- Refuse to approve any local planning changes or permits that would facilitate the facility’s construction;
- Withdraw any formal or informal support for the project in Council policies, strategies, or communications;
- Advocate for investment in real circular economy solutions such as recycling, composting, and waste minimisation initiatives tailored for Parkes;
- Support community efforts to raise awareness, including hosting public information sessions.
This project is not in the long-term interest of Parkes or the surrounding region. Our clean air, vibrant agriculture, and strong community should not be sacrificed for Sydney’s waste.
I urge Parkes Shire Council to stand with the community and formally oppose the proposed incinerator.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to seeing Council act to protect the health, environment, and future prosperity of our region.
Yours sincerely,[Your Name]
I urge Parkes Shire Council to stand with the community and formally oppose the proposed incinerator.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to seeing Council act to protect the health, environment, and future prosperity of our region.
Yours sincerely,[Your Name]