FAQs and resources

A large portion of our LGA is covered in High Value Biodiversity. Prior to clearing any vegetation on your own property or on Council land contact Council.

The Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation Framework provides a structure for managing the clearing of native vegetation in New South Wales. Legislation under this framework is administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Local Land Services and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

Clearing of native vegetation on rural land is legislated by the Local Land Services Act 2013 (LLS Act). This is administered by Local Land Services, with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department) responsible for developing native vegetation regulatory mapping and compliance under the LLS Act.

Clearing of native vegetation in urban areas and land zoned for environmental protection is legislated by the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 (formerly the State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017), administered by local councils. This legislation also allows councils to manage vegetation clearing in their local area through a permit system.

Contact council prior to clearing for a fence line that boarders Council Land.

The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme provides a framework for offsetting the impacts of development on biodiversity.

A course of action will depend on the location of the tree. If the tree is on a road or public reserve, please lodge a works request.

If the tree is located on private land you must send your request in writing to Council preferably with a photo and map of the tree location. Depending on location and circumstances you may need to obtain an arborist report and lodge a Development Application.

Contact the Rural Fire Service to discuss your concerns. You must apply for and receive a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate before starting any hazard reduction works, such as removing or burning vegetation.

Fires for the purpose of bush fire hazard reduction or agricultural activities may also require a Fire Safety Permit from the RFS in rural areas (1800 679 737), or Fire and Rescue NSW in urban areas.  

Native vegetation has a wide range of benefits for your property including prevent soil erosion, increasing biodiversity and habitat for native animals, protect crops from wind damage, provide shelter for livestock and reduce evaporation from dams. 

Planting native vegetation along waterways is particularly valuable  for native wildlife. Riparian zones have other important benefits such as protecting the waterways from excessive sediment and nutrients, and protecting the banks from erosion. Vegetation acts as a filter, trapping sediments and reducing pollution of the water from sprays and fertilizers.

If you live in town, planting trees happens to be a smart economic decision. Trees increase property values and can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs if placed carefully. They also help to reduce air pollution, improve soil and water quality, provide valuable habitat for local wildlife and shield living areas from noisy neighbours.