Parkes Shire Open Spaces Strategy

Parkes Shire Council has officially adopted the Parkes Shire Open Spaces Strategy 2026 following extensive community consultation that generated more than 182 submissions and responses from residents and stakeholders across the Shire.

The Parkes Shire Open Spaces Strategy(PDF, 311MB) builds on the Parkes Shire Liveability Strategy(PDF, 12MB) and Plan of Management (POM) Framework and was developed with funding support from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.

The draft Strategy evaluated open spaces across the main towns of Alectown, Bogan Gate, Cookamidgera, Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore, establishing a hierarchy of regional, local, low-scale and redundant open spaces. For regional-scale open spaces, masterplans have also been developed to identify future improvements for grant funding opportunities and/or implementation by Council.

All feedback received during the consultation period was carefully considered and presented to Council, with the Parkes Shire Open Spaces Review of Submissions Report 2026 tabled at the April Ordinary Meeting.

The motion to adopt the revised Strategy was moved by Councillor Ken McGrath and seconded by Councillor William Jayet and was carried at the meeting.

Council resolved to:

• Note the Parkes Shire Open Spaces Review of Submissions Report 2026 and the finalised Strategy;
• Adopt the Parkes Shire Open Spaces Strategy 2026, including amendments to Section 13.2 Reclassification of Open Space, which removes Ken Turner Park and clarifies that any proceeds from reclassification of open space are to be reinvested into open spaces and initiatives across the Parkes Shire;
• Publish formal notice of the Strategy’s adoption along with links to the adopted Strategy and submissions report; and
• Support the future reuse of the name ‘Beryl Logan’ at an appropriate open space location within the Shire, subject to relevant naming processes. 

The Strategy aims to support active lifestyles, enhance environmental outcomes, and ensure equitable access to quality open spaces for residents and visitors throughout the Parkes Shire.

Residents are encouraged to view the adopted Strategy and submissions report below: 

Open Spaces Strategy (PDF, 186MB)