NSW · Central West · Local council, made simple
Parkes Shire Council
A large rural shire in the Central West of NSW — around 14,200 people across Parkes and towns like Peak Hill, Trundle, Tullamore and Bogan Gate. Known for the CSIRO Parkes radio telescope ('The Dish'), the January Elvis Festival, and its role as a national freight and logistics hub on the Inland Rail. The council runs the local services you use every week — water, waste, roads, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 4.0%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyParkes's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
11 of 12 major offences above the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Neil Westcott
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6861 2333
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~14,200 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Parkes Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Waste
Annual kerbside bulky-waste clean-up runs across the shire
The council ran its free annual kerbside bulky-waste clean-up across Parkes Shire from 15 to 26 June 2026, for residential properties on a council waste service; tyres were not accepted.
What this means for you: Eligible households can put out bulky items on their kerb for one free scheduled collection a year; check the acceptable-items list and dates on the council's website or via the Waste Hotline 1300 725 415.
- Policy
Council formally objects to proposed Parkes energy-from-waste facility
At its ordinary meeting on 17 February 2026, Parkes Shire Council resolved to object to the proposed Parkes Energy Recovery facility (an energy-from-waste project associated with the Special Activation Precinct), following a mayoral minute from Mayor Neil Westcott.
What this means for you: The council has recorded a formal objection to the proposal; the facility is assessed by the NSW Government, not the council, so the council's position is a submission into the state planning process rather than a decision.
Source: The Land — Parkes energy-from-waste formally rejected by local council
- Development
Parkes Water Security Program progressing towards completion
The council's Water Security Program — part-funded by $11 million from the Australian Government and $26 million from the NSW Government — is upgrading and adding water supply assets, with completion expected in late 2026.
What this means for you: The program aims to secure the shire's town water supply; residents can follow progress and staged works on the council's project page.
Source: Parkes Shire Council — Parkes Water Security Program
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