Council rules - Victoria | Future Tree Health

Council rules Victoria

Victoria is made up of both Metropolitan and regional councils and is well known for tree regulations for development and tree removals. The simplest way (although it’s far from simple) to break up the planning framework in Victoria is like this:

Victorian Planning Provisions: Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP): The VPP is a statewide planning policy framework that sets out the objectives, policies, and strategies for land use planning and development in Victoria. Under the VPP, local councils are required to include specific provisions for the protection and management of trees in their planning schemes. Under the VPP, many properties have overlays protecting trees. Environmental Protection Overlays and Significant Landscape Overlays are the most common.
Local council laws: Each local council in Victoria has its own set of tree regulations that govern the protection, removal, and management of trees within its municipality. These regulations may include:

Tree protection overlays: Some councils have specific areas or zones where tree protection overlays apply. These overlays restrict the removal or pruning of trees without a permit.
Tree removal permits: Councils may require a permit for the removal of certain trees, particularly those that are protected by local planning schemes or are considered significant.
Arborist reports: In some cases, councils may require an arborist report to be submitted with a planning permit application, particularly if the proposed development may impact on trees on the site or in the surrounding area.
Replacement planting: Some councils require replacement planting when trees are removed, particularly if they are protected or significant.

Bushfire rules.

As of 2009 and the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday fires, new rules apply to the clearing of vegetation for bushfire clearance. The 10/30 rule in Victoria, Australia is a vegetation removal rule that allows property owners to remove trees and other vegetation from within 10 meters of an existing home, or within 30 meters of an existing building (such as a shed) without a permit. The rule applies to residential, commercial and industrial properties, and is intended to reduce the risk of bushfire damage to buildings and property. However, the rule does not allow for the clearing of native vegetation or the removal of trees that are protected by planning schemes or other regulations. It is important to note that the 10/30 rule may not apply in all areas, as some councils may have their own local rules and regulations around vegetation removal. It is recommended that property owners check with their local council to confirm the rules that apply in their area before removing any vegetation. Quick 10/30 summary:

Trees 10m or closer to a house constructed prior to 2009 can be removed without a permit
Trees 4m or closer to a fence constructed prior to 2009 can be removed without a permit
Trees 10m or closer to an outbuilding (i.e., a shed) on a block with a a house constructed prior to 2009 can be removed without a permit
10/30 rule supersedes both council local laws and VPP overlays
You must be able to demonstrate that the structures were built prior to 2009

Metropolitan councils: Tree laws and regulation

All Metro councils view tree protection as a key priority, and has implemented measures such as tree protection overlays, tree removal permits, and tree replacement to protect and enhance the urban forest cover across the municipality. However, council to council the rules are very different. Some councils are more aggressive than others regarding tree protection.

Banyule City Council:

Banyule City Council is a local government area located in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing. Banyule City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Banyule Council includes a diverse range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Red Box, Grey Box, Sugar Gum, Manna Gum, Blackwood, and Silver Wattle. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Prickly Tea-tree, Silver Banksia, and Hakea, as well as groundcovers like the Common Tussock-grass and Kangaroo Grass. Banyule Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum, Yellow Box, and Grey Box, which are listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the Banyule Homestead Oak, which is a 150-year-old tree, as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Bayside City Council

Bayside City Council is a local government area located in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to improving the wellbeing of the community and promoting environmental sustainability. Bayside City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Bayside Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Gum, Manna Gum, Silver Banksia, Sheoak, and Blackwood. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Common Heath, Tea-tree, and Bottlebrush. Bayside Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum, which is listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 200-year-old Sandringham Yacht Club Tea Tree as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. As of 2023:

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Bayside summary: If the tree/vegetation is not within the VPO area and native or subject to an existing planning permit with tree or vegetation conditions, you may need to apply for a Local Law permit. A Local Law permit will be required if the tree: Has a single or combined trunk circumference greater than 155cm(0.49DBH) measured at 1m above ground level. If the tree has several trunks, the 4 largest trunks circumferences should be added together; or Is planted in accordance with the replacement planting condition of a Local Law permit; or Is listed on our Significant Tree Register. – https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/services/trees-parks-and-beaches/significant-tree-register

Boroondara City Council

Boroondara City Council is a local government area located in the inner-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a healthy, liveable, and sustainable community. Boroondara City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Boroondara Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Manna Gum, Messmate Stringybark, and Blackwood. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Silver Banksia and Hakea. Boroondara Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum, which is listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 500-year-old Separation Tree in Yarra Park as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Boroondara Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. As of 2023:

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Boroondara summary: Canopy trees are on private land and contribute to Boroondara’s biodiversity, shade and privacy. These trees are protected by our Tree Protection Local Law. Canopy trees have a trunk circumference of either:

110cm(0.35DBH) or more, measured at 1.5 m above ground level
150cm(0.47DAB) or more at ground level.

https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/waste-environment/trees/protected-and-significant-trees#significant

Brimbank City Council

Brimbank City Council is a local government area located in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a healthy, diverse, and sustainable community. Brimbank City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Brimbank Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Red Gum, and Sugar Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Hakea, and Wattle. Brimbank Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum and Grey Box, which are listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 400-year-old Keilor Plains Red Gum as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Brimbank Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. Other commonly protected species in this area include the Blackwood, Silver Banksia, and River Bottlebrush. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Cardinia City Council

Cardinia City Council is a local government area located in the outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive community. Cardinia City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Cardinia City Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Mountain Grey Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Cardinia City Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum, Yellow Box, and Blackwood, which are listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 400-year-old River Red Gum known as the “Coranderrk Tree” as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Cardinia City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. Other commonly protected species in this area include the Wattle, Sheoak, and Manna Gum. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Casey City Council

Casey City Council is a local government area located in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, connected, and vibrant community. Casey City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Casey City Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Casey City Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum, Yellow Box, and Blackwood, which are listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 300-year-old Heritage-listed River Red Gum known as the “Big Tree” as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Casey City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. Other commonly protected species in this area include the Sheoak, Wattle, and Banksia. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Darebin City Council

Darebin City Council is a local government area located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, connected, and diverse community. Darebin City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Darebin City Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Exotic trees such as elms, oaks, and plane trees are also found in some areas of Darebin City Council. Darebin City Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum, Yellow Box, and Blackwood, which are listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 400-year-old Separation Tree in Merri Park as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Darebin City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. Other commonly protected species in this area include the Sheoak, Wattle, and Banksia. As of 2023:

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Darebin summary: A significant tree is a tree that has a single or combined trunk circumference greater than 100cm (0.31DBH) measured at 1.5m above ground level and is taller than 8m. A permit is not required to remove a tree (or part of a tree) in the following circumstances:

The removal of part of a tree that poses an immediate risk to persons or property. Only that part of a tree that poses an immediate risk may be removed under this exemption; Trees declared as noxious weeds under the Catchment and Land Protections Act 1994;
The removal of dead fronds from a palm tree;
For pruning of non-structural branches 75mm in diameter or less. Residents are advised to contact Darebin Parks for advice.

Frankston City Council

Frankston City Council is a local government area located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable and connected community that values diversity and innovation. Frankston City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Frankston City Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Exotic trees such as elms, oaks, and plane trees are also found in some areas of Frankston City Council. Frankston City Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, such as the River Red Gum and Manna Gum, which are listed under the council’s Significant Tree Register. The council also recognizes trees that have historical and cultural significance and provides additional protections to these trees. For example, the council has identified the 250-year-old River Red Gum known as the “Ashley Park Tree” as one of its most significant trees and has implemented measures to protect and preserve it. The council also provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Frankston City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. Other commonly protected species in this area include the Sheoak, Wattle, and Banksia. As of 2023:

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Frankston summary: You may need a local law permit to carry out the following works to a tree that has a trunk circumference, equal to, or greater than, 110cm (0.35DAB)

Glen Eira City Council

Glen Eira City Council is a local government area located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, diverse, and liveable community. Glen Eira City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Glen Eira City Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Exotic trees such as elms, oaks, and plane trees are also found in some areas of Glen Eira City Council. Glen Eira City Council has implemented various measures to protect its significant trees, which include both indigenous and exotic species. The council’s Significant Tree Register lists trees of significance, including both native and exotic species. Some of the commonly protected species in this area include the London Plane, Silver Birch, and Elm. Additionally, the council has implemented planning controls that require consideration of tree retention and protection in new development proposals. The council provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Glen Eira City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Greater Dandenong City Council

Greater Dandenong City Council is a local government area located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive community. Greater Dandenong City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Typical vegetation found in Greater Dandenong City Council includes a range of indigenous trees such as River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum. Other native vegetation species found in the council include shrubs like the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Exotic trees such as elms, oaks, and plane trees are also found in some areas of Greater Dandenong City Council. The council recognizes and protects significant trees, including both native and exotic species. Some of the commonly protected species in this area include the London Plane, Cork Oak, and Golden Elm. Additionally, the council has implemented planning controls that require consideration of tree retention and protection in new development proposals. The council provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Greater Dandenong City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. The council also provides a Street Tree Master Plan, which outlines the planting and management of street trees across the municipality. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Hobson’s bay City Council

Hobsons Bay City Council is a local government area located in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, liveable, and connected community. Hobsons Bay City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Hobsons Bay City Council features a range of both native and exotic trees. Indigenous trees found in the council include River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum, along with shrubs such as the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. Exotic trees such as elms, oaks, and plane trees are also found in some areas of the council. The council has implemented a Significant Tree Register to recognize and protect significant trees across the municipality. Some of the commonly protected species in this area include the Canary Island Palm, Chinese Elm, and the Black Poplar. Additionally, the council has planning controls that require consideration of tree retention and protection in new development proposals. The council provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Moreover, Hobsons Bay City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to safeguard significant trees and vegetation. The council also provides a Street Tree Master Plan, which outlines the planting and management of street trees across the municipality. As of 2023:

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Hobson’s Bay summary: A Protected Tree is a tree or palm with a trunk diameter of 0.45 cm or greater measured at 1.5 m above its base.

Hume City Council

Hume City Council is a local government area located in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, diverse, and connected community. Hume City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Hume City Council has a diverse range of vegetation, including both native and exotic species. Indigenous trees found in the council include River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum, along with shrubs such as the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. The council also has a range of exotic trees, including the London Plane, Chinese Elm, and the Golden Poplar. The council recognizes and protects significant trees, including both native and exotic species. Some of the commonly protected species in this area include the London Plane, Chinese Elm, and the Golden Poplar. The council has implemented planning controls that require consideration of tree retention and protection in new development proposals. The council provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Moreover, Hume City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to safeguard significant trees and vegetation. The council also provides a Street Tree Master Plan, which outlines the planting and management of street trees across the municipality. As of 2023:

Local laws – None
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Kingston City Council

Kingston City Council is a local government area located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The council is committed to promoting a sustainable, connected, and liveable community. Kingston City Council has developed an Urban Forest Strategy to guide the management and protection of trees in the municipality. Kingston City Council has a diverse range of vegetation, including both native and exotic species. Some of the native trees found in the council include River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, Blackwood, and Manna Gum, along with shrubs such as the Tea-tree, Banksia, and Hakea. The council also has a range of exotic trees, including elms, oaks, and plane trees. The council recognizes and protects significant trees, including both native and exotic species. Some of the commonly protected species in this area include the Elm Leaf Beetle Resistant Elm, Golden Poplar, and the London Plane. The council has implemented planning controls that require consideration of tree retention and protection in new development proposals. The council provides guidelines for tree removal and pruning to ensure the protection of its significant trees and vegetation. Additionally, Kingston City Council has implemented a Tree Protection Local Law to protect significant trees and vegetation in the municipality. The council also provides a Street Tree Master Plan, which outlines the planting and management of street trees across the municipality. As of 2023:

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Kingston summary: A permit is needed to remove, prune or undertake works to any tree (including multi-stemmed trees) with a trunk circumference of 110cm(0.35DAB) or more measured at ground level.

Knox City Council

Local laws – Yes
Victorian Planning Provisions (Overlays) – Yes
Urban forest strategy – In Place

Local laws related to trees – Knox summary: