Environment
The environment of the Bathurst Region offers so much, each day brings a new experience and each path travelled reveals another special place.
Bathurst is Australia's oldest inland settlement, with Europeans residing in the area since 1815. Prior to this, the Wiradjuri people inhabited the landscape for tens of thousands of years. The modern environment of the Bathurst Region is evident of this history.
Agriculture was the main reason for the initial settlement of the Bathurst plains and surrounds, with this industry retaining its importance up to today. Rolling hills dotted with sheep and cattle and fields of wheat, barley, oats and corn greet the visitor to Bathurst.
The hills surrounding Bathurst and its villages are often covered with remnant woodlands, themselves home to native animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats and even endangered species such as the Purple Copper butterfly and the spotted-tailed Quoll.
The graceful Macquarie River, intersects the town and is lined with majestic she-oaks. Many other waterways including the 
Campbells, Fish and Turon Rivers and Raglan and Vale Creeks are home to not only fish and waterbirds but also the iconic water rats and platypus.
In recognition of the importance of these waterways and their inhabitants, much effort has been put towards ensuring the ongoing rehabilitation and enhancement of creeks and rivers.
New residents can get involved in one or more of the active local environment groups such as the Bathurst Community Climate Action Network (BCCAN) or Greening Bathurst.
Bathurst Regional Council actively supports and conducts environmental programmes including the Sustainable Living Expo, Community Garage Sale, Clean Up Australia Day and National Tree Day and the Bathurst Region Sustainable Schools Programme.
Contacts and Links
- Bathurst Community Climate Action Network (BCCAN)
- Greening Bathurst
- Boundary Road Reserve Landcare Group
- Macquarie Rivercare
- Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) Bathurst
- Bathurst Regional Council -Environment Section on 6333 6511.