Update on Machattie Park
Published on 29 February 2024
MEDIA RELEASE 29 February 2024
Update on Machattie Park
A tree assessment of all trees within Machattie Park was completed by a specialist consulting arborist in January this year.
The report has detailed the works that should be implemented to a large number of trees throughout Machattie Park to mitigate the public safety risks that have been caused by a temporary population explosion of flying foxes that arrived in the park in November 2023. The report has recommended remediation works to 147 trees throughout the park before it can be reopened to the public.
Council has identified two areas within Machattie Park where tree remediation work could be undertaken without significant disturbance to the flying fox colony, should numbers remain in their current state. These locations include part of the park adjacent to William Street and a section of the George Street & Russell Street corner of the park. If the first stage of tree remediation work is able to successfully occur in these areas, it is likely that parts of Machattie Park will be able to reopen for public use, including access to the Begonia House and the Bathurst Fernery.
Mayor Jess Jennings said that the potential to reopen parts of Machattie Park to the community was great news.
“Machattie Park is cherished by our residents and offers people a place to relax, get together with families and friends, have a picnic or to have a leisurely stroll,” he said.
“A section of Machattie Park will have to remain closed for now within the area where the flying fox camp is currently roosting. Significant tree remediation work in this area will not be able to commence until the flying fox colony departs Bathurst for the winter.”
The first stage of the Machattie Park tree remediation program is due to commence early in March and is expected to cost approximately $30,000 to be funded within Council’s existing 2023/24 Operational Plan.
Funding to undertake the restoration of the remaining trees within the park will be subject to Council’s deliberations on the draft 2024/25 Operational Plan.