Developer Buildev warms to Parkes airfreight hub idea

<p>The lure of Parkes as an intermodal hub has grown wings with private developer Buildev confirming it will examine an airfreight option at the central NSW town’s airport.</p> <p>Almost a year to the day after the Buildev sent in an expression of interest in two parcels of council land for transport uses in Parkes, the company appears ready to start a five-year feasibility study of the airport project.</p> <p>Buildev officials had not replied to <em>Lloyd’s List DCN’s</em> inquiry by deadline today (Wednesday, September 26) but the ABC reported the company as saying it had signed a five-year delayed settlement with Parkes Shire Council to allow time to explore the development options at the airport before final purchase.</p> <p>Buildev development manager Darren Williams was quoted as saying a range of opportunities would be considered.</p> <p>"During that time we’re going to investigate the use or the expansion of the airport for air freight, logistics, it’s had a number of uses potentially for pilot training and aircraft servicing," he said.</p> <p>"When we come up with an economic use for the airport and it’s future expansion, at that point in time we would exercise the contract, purchase the airport and then continue on with the development."</p> <p>Mr Williams says the airport could become a national freight hub.</p> <p>"I think it has the opportunity … potentially for an airport training school, logistical exports and imports, fresh produce, packaging and cargo," he said.</p> <p>"When you’re bringing in a number of trains which is supported by a significant number of truck movements each week, I think if you integrate airfreight logistics into that, I think it gives Parkes the ability to be a one-stop shop."</p> <br />