The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst will be launching a comprehensive Tree Protection Plan on the World Day of Prayer for Creation, 1st September 2026. 

This plan, to be launched by the Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna, ensures that all trees on land in the care of the Diocese such as parishes, schools, presbyteries and cemeteries, cannot be unnecessarily removed or inappropriately pruned, ensuring a long life into the future. Inspired by a similar Tree Protection Plan established by the Irish Bishops Conference in 2023, this is the first of its kind to be taken up in Australia. 

The plan also has a goal of increasing the tree canopy cover of this land to 30%, a target in line with what experts say will enable nature to buffer ecological challenges caused by green-house-gas emissions, providing extra benefits in times of drought, flood, fire, air pollution and increased winds. 

The Diocese of Bathurst is located in the Central West of New South Wales, covering territory from Baradine and Coonamble in the North and centres including Dubbo, Cowra, Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee, Oberon and Lithgow. 

The Diocesan Laudato Si’ Group worked with key stakeholders in the Diocese and Catholic Education to agree on a suitable plan.

The launch will take place at the Blayney Eco Hub, another Diocesan project inspired by Laudato Si’. Situated in the presbytery of St James’ Parish in Blayney, the Hub is a demonstration site for ecological education, spirituality and advocacy.

Bishop McKenna congratulated all who have worked carefully on developing this policy.

“Our words about care for our common home need to be authenticated by what we do where we have the responsibility and the opportunity to act.

In Laudato Si’ n64, Pope Francis quoted the teaching of his predecessor, St John Paul II, on the call for Christians: to realize that their responsibility within creation, and their duty towards nature and the Creator, are an essential part of their faith.”