Yes, it's true. I have cut and paste the info I found:
New Parkes Airport - Air & Land Freight Hub
23 May 2003
Niche Airport to Promote Air Freight and Inland Production
Parkes Council and a consortium of infrastructure companies have entered into an agreement envisaging the development of Parkes Airport into an International Air Freight gateway and hub.
Project Director Mark Smith said the redevelopment would boost business and employment opportunities in Parkes and surrounding areas.
The participants, led by Mr. Smith, will complete ‘re-scoping’ studies and due diligence this year. These studies have the benefit of the involvement of key future airport users/carriers.
Mr. Smith said ‘everyone on the team realised the need for close synergies with grower communities not limited to just NSW, but also importers and exporters, freight forwarders, major air carriers, and land based freight companies to ensure reliable links to/from all markets throughout the airports catchment area.
Parkes is the ideal location due to its outstanding National Highway links/proximity to major population centres in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and SA, curfew free operational approval, a huge regional primary and other production catchment and Parkes’ position at the Road and Rail National Freight Crossroads.
In providing further details of the current status, Mr. Smith confirmed that:
The group now scoping the project includes major international contractors, financial advisors, air cargo carriers, airport operators and team of airport master planners / other professionals and consultants.
The redeveloped airport will target a niche freight market and other airport uses. As such the project appears viable on 1-3 air freight movements per day.
Planned upgrading of regional passenger operations over time.
Consent for the Airport expansion is complete, as is an Environmental Impact Statement. Consultation with surrounding land owners, the local community and business leaders is underway and would be ongoing