Oral Presentation IPWEA International Public Works Conference 2025

Introduction

Special Activation Precincts (Precincts) are dedicated areas in regional NSW that are shaping tomorrow’s world by creating jobs, attracting business and investors, and driving economic development by maximising benefits from the Inland Rail.

Precincts are unique to regional NSW because they bring together planning and industry levers in line with the competitive advantages and economic strengths of each area and have the potential to harness support from all levels of government. These precincts are pivotal in transforming regional economies by leveraging strategic infrastructure investments.

Parkes was announced as the first Precinct by the NSW Government in July 2018.  The Parkes Precinct will become an inland port, transferring export-ready goods to every major city and freight centre in Australia. It will provide opportunities for new industries in agriculture, freight and logistics, manufacturing, energy and resource recovery and transport

Approach

This paper explores several key aspects of the development and impact of Precincts, including:

• how Precincts within Regional NSW, with a focus on Parkes, are shaping tomorrow’s world
• the development of the Parkes Precinct, including the planning, design and delivery of its enabling infrastructure
• how infrastructure investment and public works enable the Precinct’s vision to be realised
• the challenges, lessons, and successes in the development of the Parkes Precinct

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates the importance that public works and infrastructure provision play in shaping tomorrow’s world for Regional NSW in terms of economic development and creating jobs.

Keywords: Precinct, Masterplan, Infrastructure, Economic Growth, Jobs, Regional NSW