Parkes Shire Council Would Like to Thank the Committee for the Opportunity to Comment on the Relocation of Government Bodies to Regional Areas

8 March 2017

To the Senate Finance and Public Administration Reference Committee

Dear Chair,

SUBMISSION TO THE AUSTRALIAN SENATE INQUIRY

Parkes Shire Council would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment on the relocation of Government bodies to regional areas. Council is encouraged by the Federal Government's efforts to look at ways to decentralise Government Departments and encourage people to relocate from metropolitan areas to synergistic regional areas.

Parkes has proven its ability to attract and retain NSW State Government agencies staffed with highly qualified employees enjoying the benefits of regional life in a number of operations, including being home to the Western Region Headquarters for the NSW Roads and Maritime Service (RMS), which has been located in Parkes since 1990.

In addition to the RMS Western Region presence and success, the NSW Government has in more recent years relocated major Service NSW operations to Parkes, including a Licence processing centre for all of NSW, and an Agency Business Centre managing all mail registration renewals for the State.

As such, Council believes that Commonwealth Government Departments which are unequivocally rural organisations should be relocated from their current location to regional areas and we believe that Parkes is the PERFECT location for entities such as ARTC, given our position and strengths in the national transport network. We have accordingly enclosed example submissions that examine why Government agencies should be relocated to Parkes.

Council has had preliminary discussions with a number of regional stakeholders who are highly supportive of the Commonwealth Government's commitment to investigating this issue further at a federal level, and are interested in contributing to regional consultations.

Parkes Shire Council would like to extend an invitation to the members of the Australian Senate Inquiry to visit Parkes to discuss issues highlighted in our submission. We understand that we are all subject to tight schedules so we are more than willing to travel to Canberra to discuss the implementations of the initiatives raised by our Submission.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Ken Keith MAYOR Parkes Shire Council Submission Australian Senate Inquiry on the relocation of government bodies to regional areas

Parkes Shire Council

Submission

March 2017

Page 1 of 4 Parkes Shire Council Submission Australian Senate Inquiry on the relocation of government bodies to regional areas

Terms of Reference

Parkes Shire Council strongly believes that careful and considered relocation of government bodies to synergistic regional areas results in significant economic growth and stronger regional communities, and leads to better partnerships for the government body and the ability to leverage expertise. This is evidenced by the NSW Government's decision to locate the Western Region Headquarters of the Roads and Maritime Services in Parkes in 1990, responsible for managing the state road network.

Council believes that Government owned supply chain and logistics businesses, with a significant interest in the nation’s agricultural supply chain and connectivity to ports, are worthy of consideration in the decentralisation discussion. For example, relocation of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to Parkes may enable location of that organisation with the NSW Government’s Roads and Maritime Services (headquartered in Parkes) along with major infrastructure businesses at the National Logistics Hub. On an initial assessment, it would be a logical location on the Inland Rail alignment at the national intersection of the main west national rail line.

Council would like to extend an invitation to the Hon Barnaby Joyce, and the Hon Fiona Nash and the members of the Australian Senate Inquiry to visit Parkes to discuss issues highlighted by the Inquiry. We understand that we are all subject to very tight schedules so we are also more than willing to travel to Canberra to discuss the implementations of the initiatives raised by the Inquiry.

Overview of Parkes Shire

Parkes is ideally positioned for the relocation of certain government agencies due to;

proximity and accessibility to Canberra and Sydney;

existing human capital, business and industry;

proven track record in successful government agency relocation;

broad regional stakeholder support for relocation; and

highly regarded “livability” factors.

Parkes is a thriving Shire with a population of approximately 15,000, centrally located within NSW. Parkes is literally the cross roads of the Nation with the Newell Highway, connecting Brisbane and Melbourne, and the transcontinental railway linking the eastern seaboard to

Page 2 of 4 Parkes Shire Council Submission Australian Senate Inquiry on the relocation of government bodies to regional areas

Perth meeting in Parkes to form a unique logistics opportunity for Australia. Parkes is also well served by road to Sydney through Bathurst and over the Blue Mountains. Further, Parkes will be one of the major freight centres in the Inland Rail, which will run through central NSW and link Victoria with Queensland by rail. These unique characteristic has made Parkes one of the most strategically significant locations in the future of transport and logistics operations in Australia.

Regional Relocation Grants

Council welcomes initiatives such as regional relocation incentives and agrees with Associate Professor Phil McManus from the University of Sydney’s analysis that pragmatic decision about relocating to the country are influenced by key factors such as:

 Stage of life

 Affordable housing

 Educational opportunities/ facilities

 Health services

 Sense of community

 Close to family and friends: and

 Full time employment

Government Agency Relocations

Parkes Shire Council applauds the Federal Government's efforts to start to decentralise Government Departments from cities into regional and rural areas, such as the proposed relocation of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to Armidale in NSW.

The relocation of departments with a natural fit to a regional area such as the NSW Government's Department of Agriculture to Orange and The NSW Department of Local Government to Nowra shows that decentralisation can work and that these Departments are now able to work more closely with their constituents.

Parkes Shire Council has previously compiled submissions, regarding NSW Government agencies such as Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) that we consider are quintessentially regional and as such should be relocated to the regional and rural areas. Page 3 of 4

Parkes Shire Council Submission Australian Senate Inquiry on the relocation of government bodies to regional areas

Please find following a copy of our submission with relation to what our pitch has been for these services and what Parkes can provide.

Page 4 of 4

RELOCATE: PARKES NSW Submission to THE NEW SOUTH WALES STATE GOVERNMENT NEW SOUTH WALES ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICE

www.parkes.nsw.gov.au Darwin

Cairns WHY additionAL NSW Roads Townsville and Maritime Services Rockhampton

SHOULD RELOCATE TO PARKES Brisbane

Regionalisation of PARKES Government Departments Perth Sydney Parkes Shire Council applauds the NSW State Government’s plans to Adelaide decentralise Government departments from metropolitan areas into Canberra regional and rural areas. The relocation of a department of RMS with natural synergies with Parkes (such as Freight, Design or Information Melbourne Technology) will allow the Roads and Maritime Services to work more closely with stakeholders and benefit from the cost and lifestyle advantages that Parkes has to offer. Hobart

Centrally located at the cross roads of the Newell Highway and the transcontinental railway, Parkes operates as a transport hub and values transport as a vital economic pillar of our community. With proximity to existing RMS regional offices and the central location of Parkes within NSW, moving part of the NSW Roads and Maritime Services to Parkes makes eminent sense.

Consistent with NSW Government Decentralisation Policy, Western Geographic Location Research Institute (WRI) reported that government businesses One of the most compelling reasons why the NSW RMS should As an important logistics and freight hub, Parkes is an ideal fit for the contribute significantly to the workforce participation rate. WRI relocate to Parkes is its geographical location. Parkes is a thriving Roads and Maritime Services. Building on the success of the Western estimated that locally: Shire centrally located within NSW. Parkes is literally the cross roads Region Roads Office, Parkes offers a cost effective location with • Roads and Maritime Services - Western Region employs – 120 of the Nation with the Newell Highway, connecting Brisbane and strategically placed infrastructure including telecommunications people Melbourne, and the transcontinental railway linking the eastern and transport links via road, air and rail, boasting a progressive • Department of Community Services - 35 people seaboard to Perth meeting in Parkes to form a unique logistics community, a stable and business friendly Council and an attractive • Centrelink – 80 people opportunity for Australia. This unique characteristic has made Parkes lifestyle for employees and their families In addition Parkes Shire Council employs around 170 full and part time one of the most strategically significant locations in the future of staff. According to ABS census figures (2007) regarding “People Place transport and logistics operations in Australia, but it also means that of work”, 700 people in Parkes were employed in health care and social it is in a perfect location for the NSW RMS. assistance and 441 in Education and training, with the majority of these The adjacent map demonstrates how central Parkes is to the jobs being Government jobs. Almost one in three people in Parkes are prospective regional action plan delineations in NSW as outlined in employed within a government agency or service. Government jobs the NSW 2021 plan and the current regional road offices: contribute over $100 million to the local economy. • Hunter Region Roads Office Parkes has the workforce capacity to support Government Departments. • Northern Region Roads Office Currently Parkes has a strong labour force participation rate, according • South West Region Roads Office to ABS Census (2006) it is 61.4% of the population over 15 years were either actively employed or looking for work. This is a pleasing result • Southern Region Roads Office compared to the regional average of 59.1%. • Sydney Region Roads Office • Western Region Roads Office Parkes is not only in a position to support people relocating with the NSW RMS but we also have the workforce capacity and skills locally to Not only is Parkes centrally located in NSW but to the rest of Statue of Sir Henry Parkes, support the establishment of Government Departments like the NSW Australia. From Parkes, 16 million people or over 80% of the Father of federation; Parkes town square. Australian population can be reached in less than 12 hours by road. RMS. RELOCATE: Parkes NSW Submission to The New South Wales State Government Page. 2 Sydney WITHIN 45 Minutes

Parkes: an attractive investment location

TRANSPORT & Freight performance vehicles such as super B-Doubles and B-Triples which dramatically increasing the opportunities and decreasing cost for longevity of the operation beyond 2041. will positively impact productivity, safety and the environment. The organisations to relocate to this regional centre. Parkes Shire Council, with the approval from the State Government, Parkes Shire has a Regional Airport which was awarded the National Newell Highway is currently the third largest freight corridor in NSW has rezoned 516 hectares of agricultural and industrial land on the Regional Airport of the Year 2011 and 2012. Regional Express (REX) and the volume of freight moved along the highway is estimated to western edge of the town for the development of the Parkes National operates 3 services a day to Sydney which means that you can be double by 2020. There may be logical linkage with the operation of Strong Regional Centre Logistics Hub. The site has been specifically zoned for the 24 hour, 7 in Sydney in under an hour. This makes doing business from Parkes the RMS freight regulation and policy departments with Parkes Shire. days per week operation of the multi-modal transport facility (www. very attractive as it means that NSW RMS employees can fly to Despite severe drought over the last decade Parkes has remained parkeshub.com.au.) Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane in the morning for a meeting and an attractive investment location. Compared to other similar sized return home to Parkes on the same day Telecommunications regional areas in Australia Parkes has a strong and diverse economy. Parkes Shire Council recently commissioned AEC Group to do a report The Community Strategic Plan states “that we should be looking for into the capacity of Parkes’ retail market to expand. AEC Group’s The Parkes Regional Airport main runway was updated in 2010 Infrastructure opportunities for growth in transport, mining, agriculture, industry, analysis predicted that due to investment such as Northparkes Mine which provides a pavement suitable to support the operations of tourism, government services, broadband technology and retail.” Step Change Project and the Parkes Logistics Hub, new residents the airport to 2030 catering for the continued use by the Regional Not only is Parkes strategically placed geographically but also in would be moving to Parkes. They estimated that by 2020 the retail Passenger Transport service and occasional C130 Hercules aircraft terms of telecommunication infrastructure. Parkes is fortunate in Parkes has a diverse and robust economy. The Shire generated catchment of Parkes will have grown to 59,682 with an estimated used by the RAAF, USMC and Singapore Armed Forces and larger having fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure already in the Gross Regional Product (GRP) of more than $1.0 billion in 2010-11, total spending capacity of $338.9 million annually. freight aircraft. The airport also provides access to essential services ground. Twin fibre optic cables pass through Parkes joining Brisbane representing annual GRP growth of 2.3%. This exceed the % growth such as Angel Flight, The Royal Flying Doctors and the Air Ambulance and Melbourne, and a third fibre optic cable connects Parkes with rate of NSW with Gross State Product (GSP) of 2.1% in the same of NSW which are regular users. Sydney. This infrastructure provides a high level of redundancy (that period is , self repairing) and communications security. Council believes that Parkes airport currently operates two runways 04/22 – which is this communications security will differentiate the benefit to the Parkes Shire is in the fortunate position of having strong investment, 1,684m x 45m (PCN8) (the main runway with 95% of aircraft traffic) NSW RMS operations in Parkes. with Northparkes Mine investing $115 million in a pre-feasibility and 11/29 – which is 1,623m x 30m (PCN6). study for their Step Change Project. The project is designed to The rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) will further expand the Mine labour force from 600 to 930 with an additional Freight is an important economic pillar of Parkes Shire. The strengthen telecommunications and increase the opportunity for construction workforce of approximately 1500 and increase National Land Freight Strategy is currently trialling the use of high virtual communication, vastly reducing the tyranny of distance and

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A COMMUNITY GOING FORWARD

Parkes’ Strong Sense of • Strong competitive local sporting groups and facilities Originally Parkes was settled in 1862 for its potential for gold but 6. Enhance Recreation and Culture soon agriculture became the dominant industry and underwrote • Recreation 7. Care for the Environment in a Changing Climate and Community the Shires economic consolidation and focused the direction on which the commercial, communal and civic life of Parkes and district In considering the relocation of the NSW Roads and Maritime • Vibrant commercial and industry base 8. Maintain and Improve the Shire’s Assets and Infrastructure. were built. Parkes was originally called Currajong, named for the Services to Parkes, the needs of the employees that may relocate • Strong tourism abundance of Currajong trees in the local area by the settlers, but was with the organisation must be taken into consideration. Parkes later changed to Bushmans (from the local mine named Bushman’s is a community that is used to welcoming new residents. People • Stable rural economy which is underpinned by manufacturing, Lead) it was changed one more time to Parkes to honour the then from all over Australia and the world come to work at various mining and agriculture Health Prime Minister of NSW Sir Henry Parkes in 1873. organisations such as Rio Tinto’s Northparkes Mine, the Roads and • Competitively priced land. The Parkes Shire currently has a strong hospital which can cater for Maritime Services, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and various Parkes Shire Council is committed to its Strategic Community accidents and emergencies, elective surgery as well as obstetrics, other employers. Parkes attracts many people who are looking for Plan. In June 2012 community forums were held to consult with The Parkes Shire covers an area of 5191 km2 and comprises of Parkes currently handling over 200 births a year. Parkes Shire has a a “tree change” and a more affordable lifestyle for their families, the the community, to test if our original 2006 Strategic Plan was still and the smaller communities of Peak Hill, Tullamore, Bogan Gate and commitment from the NSW State Government for $42 million to medium house price according to Australian Property Managers for on track and to set the vision and aspirations of the community Trundle. build a new hospital. The new hospital will provide state of the the 12 months to July 2012 was $228,000. going forward. The resulting Parkes Community Strategic art technology which will take advantage of the NBN and will link The population of the Parkes Shire according to the 2011 Census has Plan will set the direction of Parkes Shire for the next 10 years. Parkes also has one of the lowest crime rates in NSW. Parkes Shire residents to medical services that once required travel of hundreds increased from 14,281 in 2006 to 15,000 in 2011. This growth is set The Plan sets out 8 strategic objectives: Council has initiated a “Meet and Greet” BBQ for new residents where of kilometres to access. to continue with investment in our key economic pillars of mining, they can meet representatives from the services clubs, sporting 1. Develop Lifelong Learning Opportunities transport, logistics and agriculture. organisations and community groups. The BBQs are held twice a Parkes’ strong sense of community is demonstrated in the community 2. Improve Health and Wellbeing year with the aim to welcome and help new residents to integrate fund raising events such as the GP Cup, where the community Parkes is located within Wiradjuri country and history has it that it is annually raises over $20,000 to pay recruitment costs for new GP’s. into the community. 3. Promote, Support and Grow our Community the site of many great battles as it is situated on the boundary of two clans. According to the 2011 Census 7.3% of Parkes Shire citizens are Parkes is a modern, relaxed, friendly community, which offers a 4. Grow and Diversify the Economic Base Parkes has three Medical Centres, several dentists and Aboriginal compared to a national average 2.5%. The Parkes Shire country way of life whilst still providing a full range of services and physiotherapists and chiropractors, an imaging and radiography Council works closely with the local Aboriginal community. 5. Develop Parkes as a National Logistics Hub facilities including: service and a strong community health unit, which includes speech

RELOCATE: Parkes NSW Submission to The New South Wales State Government Page. 6 Page. 5 RELOCATE: Parkes NSW Submission to The New South Wales State Government HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND EDUCATION

therapists, community nurses, social workers and dieticians. rhyme with children from birth, so that they will be ready for reading session so that the good habits can be continued at home. Parkes University Study and writing at school. Parents are given the gift of a book whilst they are still in the Parkes Maternity Unit and are encouraged to start ‘Preparing children to read really shouldn’t be that hard,’ said Centre reading to their child. Tracie Mauro, Parkes Branch Librarian. ‘Love them; make them feel Education safe. Read, talk, sing and rhyme to them everyday and watch their Council is working hard to find innovative ways to provide lifelong Paint the Town REaD now takes its message, ‘Read, talk, sing and foundation skills develop. learning opportunities for the people of the Parkes Shire and the wider Parkes Shire is proud of its young people and of its education system. rhyme with your child from birth’ across New South Wales, Victoria, Central West, such as the Parkes University Study Centre. On the 28th Within Parkes there are 3 pre-schools (and 2 part-time pre-schools Queensland and beyond. ‘Preparing children to read really shouldn’t be that hard,’ May 2010 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between set up at Middleton Public School and Parkes East Public School), said The Parkes Branch Librarian. ‘Love them; make them feel safe. Parkes Shire Council, TAFE Western and Charles Sturt University. The 4 primary schools (three public and one catholic) and one High Read, talk, sing and rhyme to them everyday and watch their aim of the Memorandum of Understanding is to actively participate School and a Christian School which goes from Kindergarten to foundation skills develop.’ and cooperate in support for the broader planning and growth of year 10 (which in 2014 will start going to year 12). All of the smaller PARKES SHIRE LIBRARY - ONE Parkes, by developing opportunities for higher education for Parkes communities in the Shire also boast progressive Central Schools. OF THE BEST IN THE STATE Parkes Shire Library can also assist parents by providing a wide range and the Central West. The aim of the University Study Centre is to: of reading material. Board books, picture books, special literacy • Increasing skills within the local community; Parkes is well equipped to deal with the educational needs any Planting the reading seed... development collections, stories, songs and rhymes on compact disc families who may relocate with the NSW RMS. The first Objective are all held by the Library. • Creating more local educational opportunities; of the Parkes Shire Council Community Plan is to “Develop Lifelong Parkes Library supports families nurturing the development of their Learning Opportunities”. children’s pre-reading skills by regularly offering preschoolers and • Helping to reduce skill drain; their parents/carers fun-filled and engaging programs during the • Adding to the attraction of relocating to Parkes; school term. Paint the Town REaD • Reducing the cost of studying (relocating and actual course Interactive stories, rhymes, songs, music, body movement and finger costs); plays create the perfect setting for children to use their imagination Parkes is the home of the early literacy community scheme Paint the and enjoy early literacy as a complete sensory experience. • Increasing educational opportunities for mature age students; Town REaD which has been running since the early 1990s. Paint the Town REaD encourages the whole community to read, talk, sing and Children are encouraged to join the library, then borrow after each

RELOCATE: Parkes NSW Submission to The New South Wales State Government Page. 8 Page. 7 RELOCATE: Parkes NSW Submission to The New South Wales State Government the Roads and Maritime Services in parkes

The Parkes Shire is a progressive community, with a strong economic base, it is geographically located in the centre of the State with strategically placed infrastructure including telecommunications and transport links via road, air and rail. Parkes Shire A COMMUNITY Council would like to applaud the renewed emphasis on regional action plans in the NSW 2021 plan and put forward strongly that Parkes is the perfect location for NSW WITH A SENSE OF State Government to continue the trend of regionalisation of Government departments PRIDE... with a regional fit. Parkes Shire Council would like to extend an invitation to the Minister for Transport – The Hon. Duncan Gay, MLC; Minister for Roads and Ports and representatives from the NSW Roads and Maritime Services to visit Parkes to discuss the possibility of relocating the service. We understand that we are all subject to very tight schedules so we are also more than willing to travel to Sydney to discuss the opportunities.

For more information please visit our website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or contact Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd on 02 6861 2333.

Culture Parade and a tour of the Parkes region. With enormous vision and hard work from the Committee and significant support from Parkes Parkes Shire Council recognises that by enhancing not only cultural Shire Council the Festival has rapidly grown. This year it attracted facilities but also recreational facilities, such as the recent upgrade of 18,000 visitors and injected $9 million into the economy. the Parkes Swimming Pool, it will attract people to the area to enjoy The iconic CSIRO Parkes Radio telescope is located 20km North of the benefits of the lifestyle on offer. The Community Strategic Plan Parkes just off the Newell highway. The telescope attracts leading states “It is recognised that by enhancing recreation and culture, scientists into the community. Astronomers use the telescope to Parkes Shire will attract people to the area to enjoy the benefits of measure the radio energy produced naturally by objects in the the lifestyle on offer”. universe such as stars, galaxies and pulsars. The movie “The Dish” Cultural facilities include the Parkes Little Theatre, Library and was loosely based on Parkes’ involvement with the Apollo moon Cultural Centre and Henry Parkes Centre. The Henry Parkes Centre landings as the telescope can act as a receiving station to receive incorporates the Parkes Visitor Information Centre and four unique radio transmissions from space. Also located at the Radio telescope collections including is the Visitor Discovery Centre which attracts approximately 130 000 visitors a year. Visitors are invited to explore the world of • The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit astronomy, the centre features displays as well as hands on exhibits. • Parkes Motor Museum It is also home to the award winning Dish Cafe. Parkes also hosts the annual Central West AstroFest which aims to foster, encourage and • Henry Parkes Museum (traditional history collection) References: promote astronomy in the region. The festival brings together both ABC Rural, “Young families not retirees the best bet for country towns”, Michael Con-don. Thursday 11 August 2011 http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/content/2011/08/s3291244.htm • Antique Machinery Collection. world renowned and amateur astronomers together to share their AECgroup (2011) Central West & Centroc Regional Economic Profile – Final Report December, 2011 AECgroup (2011) Central West & Centroc Regional Opportunity Assessment – Final Re-port December, 2011 enthusiasm and love of the heavens. AECgroup (2011) Retail Market Assessment – Parkes Shire Council, Final Report July 2011. Unpublished Data January 2012 marked the 20th anniversary of the CountryLink Parkes Australian Bureau of Statistics – 2006 Census Community Profile Series – 2870 (Postal Code) Australian Bureau of Statistics – Population Estimates by Local Government 2001 – 2010 Elvis Festival. The festival started with a group of very enthusiastic Festivals like the Parkes Elvis Festival and AstroFest inject substantial Australian Bureau of Statistics – National Regional Profile: Parkes A( ) (Local Government) locals. The first festival was attended by approximately 200 people spending into the local economy, attract people to the area and Parkes Shire Council 2010-2020 Community Strategic Plan (Reviewed 17 May 2011) – Parkes Shire Council. Unpublished Data. Parkes Shire Council Delivery Program, Delivery Plan – Parkes Shire Council 2010. Un-published Data. and included a movie screening, one Elvis tribute artist, a Street provide the community a sense of pride. Western Research Institute LTD – Higher Education Facility for Parkes Shire, 14 September 2009, Prepared for Parkes Shire Council. Unpublished Data Photography Acknowledgements: Les Finn, Marcel Voestermans from Voss Photography

Page. 9 RELOCATE: Parkes NSW Submission to The New South Wales State Government RELOCATE: PARKES NSW Submission to THE NEW SOUTH WALES STATE GOVERNMENT NEW SOUTH WALES ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICE