Tree and Bushland Preservation Order

The Tree and Bushland Preservation Order has been enacted by Council to ensure the conservation and management of the trees and landscape of the local area.

Under the order, there are some restrictions on which plants and trees you can prune, remove or transplant on your own property. You can apply for permission to prune or remove a tree.

The following documents outline in more detail what is covered by the Tree and Bushland Preservation Order, and how you can apply for Council consent. Read them carefully before making any alterations to plants and trees on your property.

•  Tree and Bushland Preservation Order Brochure - 1,969 KB
•  Tree and Bushland Preservation Order - 111 KB
•  Tree Report Requirements - 42 KB
•  Tree prune/remove/transplant Application Form - 309 KB

Plants and Trees Protected by the Order

The order applies to the following trees and vegetation:

1. All trees that have the following dimensions:
   • a height exceeding 4 metres, or
   • a trunk girth (circumference) exceeding 600 millimetres measured at 1.2 metres above ground level, or
   • a crown spread exceeding 3 metres
2. All trees, regardless of dimensions, listed as rare or threatened or a component of a Threatened Ecological Community or Critical Habitat listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
3. All trees, regardless of dimensions, listed as items under the Willoughby Natural Heritage Register
4. All locally occurring native vegetation in bushland

Plants and Trees Exempt from the Order

Council permission is not required for the following:

1. The pruning or removal of dead trees
2. Removal, pruning or control of plants declared a Noxious Plant under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993
3. Pruning or removal of recognised horticultural varieties of fruit trees grown for fruit production
4. Pruning or removal of "undesirable trees" as listed in the brochure

The  Tree and Bushland Preservation Order - 111 KB contains a complete list of exemptions.