Parkes Council Score: 59/100 — What Residents Should Know
Parkes scores 59/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Core Operations (82/100). Ranked #18 of 79 regional councils in NSW.
Parkes records a composite score of 59/100 (solid), ranking 20th of 79 in its regional peer group and 32nd of 128 across NSW. It sits in the upper half of NSW's regional councils, serving around 16k residents in a regional centre.On Financial Sustainability, Parkes posts 62/100 (solid). That runs comfortably ahead of the regional peer average of 51 and runs comfortably ahead of the NSW state average of 51. It captures how well the council balances its books, manages debt, and funds future infrastructure without over-relying on rates increases.Community Services comes in at 50/100 for Parkes, rated solid. That roughly matches the regional peer average of 51 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures the reach and quality of libraries, childcare, aged support, community centres, and grants that touch daily life.The council's Lifestyle & Amenity result — 44/100 — reads as developing. That sits modestly below the regional peer average of 51 and sits modestly below the NSW state average of 51. It captures parks, sportsgrounds, cultural venues, events, and the general liveability of the area relative to what residents pay.For Core Operations, Parkes lands on 82/100, a excellent result. That stands well above the regional peer average of 51 and stands well above the NSW state average of 51. It captures the essentials — roads, waste, planning approvals, and how efficiently the council runs its day-to-day services.
What This Means For Residents
Parkes's strongest showing is on Core Operations (82) and Financial Sustainability (62). Practically, strong core operations mean waste, roads and planning approvals are running smoothly and rates are more likely to be delivering visible value. Alongside that, a stronger financial position tends to mean rates rises are less likely to be driven by budget shortfalls, and long-term infrastructure planning is better funded.On the flip side, a lower community services score usually means thinner program hours, fewer support staff, or gaps in facilities like libraries and community centres. And weaker lifestyle and amenity results tend to show up in ageing sportsgrounds, tired playgrounds, or a thinner events calendar. The weakest dimensions here — Community Services (50) and Lifestyle & Amenity (44) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 62/100 | solid |
| Community Services | 50/100 | solid |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 44/100 | developing |
| Core Operations | 82/100 | excellent |
| Composite | 59/100 | solid |
Related Councils: parkes