Forbes will vote with Parkes at the next Federal election.
Concerns the electorate would be too vast for effective representation have been raised by councils during consultation on the redistribution of federal seats within NSW.
But the Australian Electoral Commission has issued its determination that Parkes as well as Riverina - where we've voted since 2016 - would proceed as proposed.
Forbes, Parkes and Bland shire councils all submitted objections to the change, the councils concerned the area is simply too vast and diverse.
"A member cannot effectively represent the Parkes shire, when simultaneously expected to represent such localities as Tibooburra, for example, which is over 850km away," a letter signed by general manager Kent Boyd said.
"The Parkes shire's area of commerce is to the east and south.
"Given our proposed proximity in the very south of the Parkes electorate we will not be with like communities, exacerbating the difficulties to represent our shire effectively.
"While Parkes shire will always seek to work effectively with any federal member we see our inclusion with the electorate of Parkes a disadvantage to our shire."
Forbes Shire Council's objection added that the change would disrupt established connections, diluting effective local representation.
"The proposed inclusion in the Parkes electorate, a vast area with larger population centres, raises concerns about Forbes shire's ability to maintain effective representation and address its specific needs," a letter signed by acting general manager Stefan Murru said.
"As a smaller population centre, Forbes shire may struggle to compete for attention and resources compared to larger towns ...
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said he would continue to represent and support our communities until the next Federal election, due before May 2025.
"I have established wonderful working relationships with each Shire’s community leaders and stakeholders, including the councils and I sincerely thank them for their professionalism and support, particularly each area’s past and present mayors – Bland Shire’s Neil Pokoney, Tony Lord and Brian Monaghan, Forbes Shire’s Graeme Miller and Phyllis Miller OAM and Parkes Shire’s Ken Keith OAM and Neil Westcott," he said.
The current Member for Parkes, The Nationals' Mark Coulton, is set to retire at the next election.
In August, he announced that Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey has been preselected as The Nationals candidate to contest the seat.
Mr Chaffey said he looked forward to getting to know communities throughout the Parkes electorate over the coming months.
“We need to get cost of living back under control, improve access to healthcare and education in our regions and invest in affordable and reliable power," he said.
"I believe that to build a strong future for our next generation, we must develop industry within our communities to create opportunities for our young people to stay and raise their families here.
“I am looking forward to engaging with constituents and listening to their concerns, ideas and opinions as I travel around the electorate on the campaign trail.”
Mr Chaffey has been the Mayor of Gunnedah since 2016 and has also served as Chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW since 2022, Chair of the Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation of Councils in 2018, and is on the board of the AUKUS forum of Nuclear Advisory Board.
A boilermaker by trade, he is a local businessman and prior to his involvement in local government, Mr Chaffey served as president of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The AEC advises the redistribution will be finalised with the publication of a notice in the Gazette on Thursday 10 October 2024.