Parkes Shire has secured more than $8 million in federal funding to seal two critical local roads, strengthening freight access, flood resilience and regional connectivity.
The Parkes road upgrades will deliver a sealed extension on Cookamidgera Road and a full seal on Lake Endeavour Road, addressing long-standing safety and access constraints across the region.
The projects were among just 30 approved nationally, marking a significant funding win for the Shire under the Safer Local Roads Program.
How will sealing Cookamidgera Road improve freight access?
The $5 million grant for Cookamidgera Road will seal the remaining 6.95 kilometres of unsealed surface, completing a fully sealed connection between Parkes and Cookamidgera for the first time.
The existing narrow gravel section is unsuitable for heavy vehicles, unsafe for overtaking and frequently closed during wet weather. In 2024 alone, the road was closed for 39 days in eight months.
For agricultural operators and freight carriers, those closures mean detours, delays and higher operating costs.
Sealing the route will create an all-weather connection that supports agricultural productivity, strengthens emergency access and keeps the Cookamidgera community connected to Parkes during flood events.
Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said the outcome reflects strong local advocacy.
“These upgrades will make a real difference to safety, connectivity and resilience across our region.”
He thanked the Australian Government for the funding opportunity and acknowledged residents who supported the applications.
Local resident Kate Warry said the project had been long awaited.
“We look forward to a fully sealed, safer road between Parkes and Cookamidgera, especially as it’s also a bus route used daily for our kids.”
What does the Lake Endeavour Road upgrade mean for tourism and local industry?
Lake Endeavour Road will receive $3,454,776 to upgrade the existing gravel surface to a sealed two-lane road.
The road serves a precinct that has recently benefited from a $1 million investment, including an inland beach, an accessible swimming area, a floating pontoon, and upgraded amenities.
Increased visitor numbers have placed pressure on the existing gravel road and culverts, which were not designed for higher traffic volumes.
Sealing the road will improve safety, reduce dust and enhance reliability for visitors, local businesses and service providers accessing the site.
Importantly, the upgrade will retain the existing road width to minimise environmental impacts, with guardrails installed where required to protect established trees.
Director of Operations Logan Hignett said the funding would allow Council to address documented safety issues and long-standing community requests.
“These projects represent smart, long-term infrastructure investment that supports economic development, tourism, emergency access and community wellbeing.”
Why do local road upgrades matter for regional supply chains?
Local government roads form the first and last mile of the freight task. When unsealed links close during wet weather or restrict access for heavy vehicles, the effects ripple through supply chains.
The Parkes road upgrades will provide greater certainty for operators moving grain, livestock and other regional commodities, while supporting emergency services and school transport.
With two further applications pending under Round 4 of the Safer Local Roads Program, Council is seeking to continue strengthening its local network to meet growing freight and community demand.