Coolamon Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Coolamon Shire Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Coolamon Shire Council?
Trees about 3m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Coolamon Shire requires permits to remove native trees exceeding 3 metres in height; exemptions include dead/dying trees, noxious species declared under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, land excluded from the Native Vegetation Act 2003, and trees already authorized by development consent.
When you may not need approval
- Dead or dying trees
- Dead branches
- Noxious weeds declared under Noxious Weeds Act 1993
- Land excluded from Native Vegetation Act 2003
- Trees already authorized by development consent
How to apply
Submit "Application to Clear Vegetation (Trees)" form online with site plan showing all vegetation and proposed removals, plus supporting documents (photos, arborist reports, biodiversity assessments if required). Council assesses heritage values, tree health, risk to property, and habitat importance before issuing decision.
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Coolamon Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.