The Parkes Special Activation Precinct has taken another major step towards realisation with construction now underway.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said locals will start to see the precinct take shape with early works beginning.
"The Parkes Special Activation Precinct has been in the pipeline for a number of years, so it is really exciting to be able to mark the start of construction on this transformational investment," Mr Barilaro said.
"The precinct will focus on sustainability and aims to become Australia's first UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park where businesses will work together to create a true circular economy, where one corporation's waste becomes another's material for production.
"This is about driving investment and economic growth in Parkes and across regional NSW. As the Precinct continues to take shape, economic growth and jobs will follow - excitingly we expect to sign investors over the coming months."
Early works include the upgrade of Brolgan Road to incorporate a roundabout for the future Coopers Road realignment, two bridges over the existing railway lines, and a new 30MVa sub-station, as well as all associated utilities.
Mr Barilaro said these works are expected to be completed in the first half of 2023.
"The early works will open around 1,500 hectares for development by local and international investors, who will work with us to create more economic opportunities for Parkes and the wider Central West region," Mr Barilaro said.
This stage of the works also includes biodiversity offsets, as well as significant landscaping and re-planting which will take place during later stages of development.
Construction company Fulton Hogan will deliver the construction work, which is expected to require up to 125 construction jobs throughout the build.
Special Activation Precincts are being delivered by the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation and funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
