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Published on 22 January 2025
The Potted Street Trees and Machattie Lane Art Installation in Bathurst CBD will be decommissioned and relocated within the Bathurst Region, beginning early February.
Initially installed as part of the Streets as Shared Spaces initiative, funded by the NSW State Government, Council supported a motion in December 2024 to decommission the projects due to the successful completion of their trial periods.
From the project’s inception in late 2022, the Machattie Lane installation was intended as a temporary, two-year project, and its objectives of revitalising the space have been met. Similarly, the potted trees, installed in June 2021, were part of a twelve-month trial, which successfully introduced urban greening to Bathurst’s CBD and has since reached its conclusion.
The plants and landscaping materials used in both projects will be maintained in the Bathurst Region by being repurposed in local parks and across Council facilities.
Next steps for installation items:
Street Trees: To be replanted along Darwin Drive as part of Council’s street tree planting program.
Pots: The pots will be reserved by Council for future use.
Artworks: The artworks will be returned to the artist, as per the contract, for potential reuse or relocation.
Landscaping Materials: Council will reuse coir logs, sandstone and other landscaping elements in local parks and reserves across Bathurst. Council will also reuse the aluminium seating in its outdoor areas and public facilities.
Waste Management: Materials unsuitable for reuse will be disposed of, following environmental regulations, to ensure responsible waste management.
Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, affirmed that Council remains committed to enhancing public spaces throughout the region and will repurpose all materials by the end of 2025.
“While the decommissioning of these projects marks the end of a temporary urban renewal initiative, efforts to foster community engagement through future public art projects and urban greening will continue to be explored as part of our broader vision for a vibrant and connected city.
“The decommissioning of these two projects will commence in February, with the relocation of individual elements to be undertaken in stages and completed by the end of 2025” he noted.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer
P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au