Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was known as Currajong because of the trees; then it became Bushmans, after the nearby mine; then Henry Parkes, the father of Federation, visited the area in August 1873, and in December that year they named the town 'Parkes'. It is a wonderful centre at the intersection of the east-west and north-south railway lines. The Building Better Regions Fund, that wonderful program, gives so much to our regions. Parkes is the recipient of $6 million towards its $40 million Lachlan River water supply duplication project. That money is going to provide water, our most valuable resource, to the special activation precinct, to the town, to make sure the Inland Rail can be everything it has the potential to be. Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM said the duplication project will ensure that the Parkes town water supply will be right for many, many years to come. Correct for the future. 'This federal funding forms part of a multifunded project to duplicate the pipeline, which will boost water supply for our growing community,' he said. Parkes has a population of 11¼ thousand. The potential is limitless. Along with the bypass, these are great projects and they are going to make Parkes realise its potential. Great town. Great future.