Dubbo Regional Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Dubbo Regional 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 Dubbo Regional Council?
Dubbo Regional Council generally does not require council approval to remove trees on private property — its tree controls don't apply to private land. Other laws (native vegetation, heritage, threatened species) may still apply, so confirm with the council.
Dubbo Regional Council decided 25 February 2025 NOT to proceed with Tree Preservation Order for private land. Only public (council-owned) land trees are protected via TPO and Significant Tree Register. Private land: no protection required, no permit needed. Trees may be voluntarily listed on Significant Tree Register for heritage/cultural significance but this is optional, not regulatory.
When you may not need approval
- All private land trees are exempt from council tree-removal control
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 Dubbo Regional Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Dubbo Regional Council
- Apsley
- Arthurville
- Bakers Swamp
- Ballimore
- Benolong
- Bodangora
- Bournewood
- Brocklehurst
- Comobella
- Cundumbul
- Curra Creek
- Dripstone
- Dubbo
- Elong Elong
- Euchareena
- Eumungerie
- Eurimbla
- Farnham
- Geurie
- Gollan
- Goolma
- Goonoo Forest
- Hargraves
- Kerrs Creek
- Lake Burrendong
- Maryvale
- Minore
- Mogriguy
- Montefiores
- Mookerawa
- Mount Aquila
- Mount Arthur
- Mumbil
- Neurea
- North Yeoval
- Ponto
- Rawsonville
- Spicers Creek
- Stuart Town
- Suntop
- Terrabella
- Terramungamine
- Toongi
- Twelve Mile
- Walmer
- Wambangalang
- Wellington
- Wongarbon
- Wuuluman
- Yarrabin
- Yarragal