Tree removal laws in Australian Capital Territory
Council-by-council detail for ACTis coming soon — here's the state overview.
The ACT has no councils — tree protection is run territory-wide under the Tree Protection Act 2005. In urban areas, 'protected' (regulated) trees generally include trees 12m or taller, with a trunk circumference of 1.5m or more (about 0.5m at 1.3m height), or large canopies. Removing or major-pruning a protected tree usually needs approval. Detailed ACT pages are coming soon.
Legal basis: Tree Protection Act 2005 (ACT) — administered territory-wide.
Common exemptions
- Dead trees and trees that are an imminent hazard (with evidence).
- Trees below the protected size.
Rules that can override exemptions
- Registered (significant) trees.
- Federal EPBC Act.