Council has Street Tree Master Plans for both Dubbo and Wellington. Included in these master plans are a priority-based planting program based on:

• Council typically has two planting cycles being Autumn and Spring.
• Residents in identified priority streets are notified via a letter box drop and can opt in to having a tree planted in front of their residence. In most cases residents will have a choice between two species that have been adopted in the master plan.

A planting schedule is being developed for Spring 2025. Customers who would like to be included in this street tree planting initiative are requested to lodge their request through Customer Experience. Weather and resourcing can impact this schedule; however any identified locations that are not achieved will roll into the following year.

🦇Flying Fox Foraging Habitat

As part of our commitment to environmental conservation, the Council is participating in a program aimed at restoring and enhancing flying-fox camp and foraging habitats. While much of the focus to date has been on immediate conservation efforts, this program seeks to address the gap in longer-term strategies for flying-fox conservation and contribute to the growing research evidence base in this area.

Flying Foxes in NSW

Flying-foxes, including the vulnerable Grey-headed Flying-fox and the Little Red Flying-fox, play a vital ecological role as long-range pollinators and seed dispersers. Their nightly foraging—often spanning up to 50 km—supports forest regeneration and biodiversity across eastern Australia. However, habitat loss, climate stress, and increasing urbanisation have led to more frequent roosting near residential areas, sparking community concerns over noise, odour, droppings, and perceived health risks.

🌱 Parks, Reserves, Riparian and Other

Council also undertakes and supports tree planting of native trees and shrubs within its parks, reserves and riparian areas to enhance biodiversity, provide shade, prevent erosion and provide foraging and nesting habitat for birds and animals when funds allow.

This is an internal arrangement where Infrastructure Division sets aside funds to plant trees (Box woodland species) at an offset ratio of 10:1. As part of roadside works, including road realignment or widening, trees may be required to be removed. The funds received go into the purchasing, planting and establishment of Box species offset the loss of these trees. These trees can be planted in drainage reserves, within the open space network or in rural reserves. These plantings will ultimately assist in increasing the canopy cover of the local government area, improve connectivity within the landscape and provide long term environmental an biodiversity benefits.