Former Wagga councillors Mick Henderson (left) and Paul Funnell have called out current councillor Amelia Parkins over what they claim is a conflict of interest regarding her debating renewable energy projects on the Southern Regional Planning Panel. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Former councillors and farmers Paul Funnell and Mick Henderson held a press conference on Friday (19 December) to call on current Wagga City Councillor Amelia Parkins to declare what they perceive to be a conflict of interest when she provides input on renewable energy project decisions, due to her membership of the Labor Party.
Cr Parkins is also a member of the Southern Region Planning Panel, a committee that decides on whether to approve or reject regionally significant development applications worth more than $30 million. She strongly rejected any suggestion of a conflict of interest, saying she had always put her community before her party.
Speaking in front of several media outlets, Mr Funnell and Mr Henderson said Cr Parkins’ position within the Labor Party and its largely progressive stance on renewable energy was at odds with Wagga’s interests.
“She spruiks Labor policy, which is quite clearly that they, at all costs, will just mark this reckless renewables across the country, no matter what,” Mr Funnell said.
“Council is meant to represent the community, and yet, Wagga has spoken quite loudly and clearly that we do not want these going across our zones.
“There was [a recent] Eddie Graham Labor dinner. Councillor Parkins was actually at that dinner, for obvious reasons, but she actually spoke, and it was in the local media, where she spoke about how brilliant this renewable rollout is, and it must happen at all costs.
“It just goes to prove that she cannot make an unbiased decision. And this is why we’re really fed up with this.”
Cr Parkins was quick to dismiss Mr Funnell’s claims.
“I don’t think there is [a conflict],” she said.
“Labor’s got policy on so many things. They’ve got a housing policy. Does that mean everyone with a house needs to declare a conflict when the Housing Strategy went up last meeting?
“You can’t just pick and choose what policies you’re going to use as a potential conflict.
“I was elected by the councillors onto that panel, and I actually think it’s really important that there is, I would say essential, that there is local representation on those panels.”
Chris Wilson, the chair of the Southern Region Planning Panel, said Cr Parkins had his “full support” to remain a panel member.
Cr Parkins said she wouldn’t back down.
“In terms of Paul Fennell and Mick Henderson, I think my only comment is, I have always conducted myself with integrity and professionalism in all of my civic duties, and I will continue to do so, and I’m not going to be intimidated.”
Solar farms and other renewable energy projects have been hotly debated throughout 2025, with nearby farmers and residents often criticising a perceived lack of consultation and expressing concern about the use of prime agricultural land.
In July 2025, the panel approved a controversial Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System development at 1000 Burkes Creek Road near The Rock, despite protests by neighbours.
Some Wagga Wagga farmers warn solar farms could damage the region’s prime agricultural land. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Mr Henderson echoed Mr Funnell’s sentiments, stating that if he were still a councillor and part of the panel, he would remove himself from any decision regarding renewable energy due to his public stance against it.
“Labor support renewables. She was there supporting it. So how can you sit on a panel that’s looking at a process or a project with renewables and be unbiased one way or the other?” he said.
“I want clarity. I want them to come forward and say, yes, we’ve been associated with these people, and walk out of the decision-making.
“If I were on council, I would still seek to be a part of the Southern Region Planning Panel, but if there were a debate about energy projects, I would declare my conflict of interest.”
