Leona Bush repeated what she has been saying for years: that the lack of CBD shade was a factor in the closure of shops and the loss of tourist trade.

"The heat in summer sees businesses suffering and old people suffering," Ms Bush said.

Phillida Hartley commended the council on the work being done to improve the west side of the town at Hennessey Tape Oval and surrounds but she said the CBD was struggling and in need of some attention.

"Macksville has benefited from the work done to its street scape and that is what is needed here too," Ms Hartley said.

"Our town centre could be vibrant but in summer it is just too hot - visitors need shade to sit in."

She made a number of other suggestions including offering a "funky" new design for the McKay St toilet and noting that signs were needed "to help people find their way through the maze of Macksville".

Marion Syratt suggested additional sites for primitive camping around the town, including the racecourse and Grassy Park and said an RV dump site would also help attract visitors.

"People equals money equals life in a small town," Ms Syratt said.

Gai Nowland said a CBD master plan was needed and it must be developed collectively between the council and the community.

"This could be done in a number of different ways ... it won't be easy or simple but it is necessary," she said.

She then quoted from the council's own mission statement, that "only in partnership can we achieve our vision."

Ben Walters also raised the issues of shade and seating, as well as a pedestrian crossing and the rehabilitation of McKay Park.

All the councillors took the comments on board with Cr Susan Jenvey agreeing radiated heat was a big problem.

"The 'urban heat island effect' is a fact and not only for Bowraville," Cr Jenvey said.

Related: Greening of Bowraville is needed

The general manager, Michael Coulter, said the idea of a master plan for High St was discussed with the Chamber of Commerce some six months ago.

"It is a very good idea ... but there is no funding for that at the moment," he said.

Both he and the mayor, Rhonda Hoban, said that previous attempts to find common ground regarding the planting of shade trees on the main street had met a lot of community resistance.

Reducing food waste is a priority

Open day at Nambucca Vocational College