One regional patient had to spend more than $20,000 on prostate cancer surgery, as a new health plan aims to address the higher mortality rate in rural areas.

The number of dwellings granted approval has hit a five-year high, but national housing levels still lag behind federal targets.

Council Update: New hope for the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre proposal, solar in our cemeteries(!), and access issues due to work on the Regand Park North Picnic Area, are some of the stories around Dubbo Council at the moment.