The bus started in late 2016 and gives those with long term unemployment a role in cleaning up the Macquarie River. As well as removing rubbish the volunteers plant trees, maintain the trees and eradicate invasive weeds.

But the bus has relied on funding from the Burrendong Classic fishing competition which has been cancelled for the past two years.

Now, the River Repair Bus has turned to Dubbo Regional Council for assistance.

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In a public submission from the organisation, read out at the recent council meeting, annual funding of $45,000 was sought to keep the work continuing.

It said support from council was "now essential" for the River Repair Bus to continue.

The submission highlighted the outcomes already achieved by the workers. Since 2016 there have been 398 trailer loads of rubbish removed, 7768 trees planted and more than 40 kilometres of riverbank weeded.

There were also 20 participants who went onto full time employment last year.

"The bus is equipped with an experienced driver and team leader and the equipment needed to undertake environmental restoration activities," the submission to council said.

Councillor Dayne Gumley was quick to show his support for the organisation.

He said he would take up the torch and help find a way for council to financially assist the river repair bus.

As the budget preparations for the 20/21 financial year are already close to being finalised, Cr Gumley said he would make it an urgent priority to speak with chief executive officer Michael McMahon.

"We all know the river repair bus does great work. They've done immeasurable advantage to our river system," Cr Gumley said.

"They probably are engaged in far more activity than your average person in the community realises. I think it's worthy of support."

Councillors Vicki Etheridge, Stephen Lawrence, Greg Mohr and John Ryan, as well as mayor Ben Shields, also publicly indicated their support for the River Repair Bus to get funding.

"What they do is amazing work and it's done by people who are committed to making improvements to our waterways," Cr Etheridge said.

The 2020/21 Dubbo Regional Council budget is in the process of being competed.

Public submissions on the financial documents close at 5pm on Friday.

The submissions will now be reviewed and changes made before the budget is given its final approval.