Greater Hume Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Greater Hume 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 Greater Hume Shire Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 20cm trunk (diameter at 1 metre above ground) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Protection is SPECIES-SPECIFIC and ZONE-RESTRICTED. Only 8 prescribed native tree species are protected (River Red Gum, White Cypress Pine, Black Cypress Pine, Blakely's Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box, White Box, and one other). Rules apply in residential and tourism zones (R2, R5, RU5, SP3). Tree must meet ALL three criteria: correct zone + sufficient size (5m height OR 20cm trunk diameter at 1m above ground) + prescribed species. Trees not on the species list require no development consent under Section 5.9AA of GHLEP. Also subject to Native Vegetation Act 2003, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974.
When you may not need approval
- Trees not in prescribed zones (R2, R5, RU5, SP3)
- Trees not of the prescribed species list
- Trees below 5 metres height AND below 20cm trunk diameter
- Under Section 5.9AA of GHLEP, consent not required for trees/vegetation not nominated in the species list
How to apply
Development application required to Council under Section 5.9 of the GHLEP for prescribed trees meeting all three criteria (zone, size, species)
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 Greater Hume Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Greater Hume Shire Council
- Alma Park
- Balldale
- Bowna
- Brocklesby
- Bungowannah
- Burrumbuttock
- Carabost
- Cookardinia
- Coppabella
- Culcairn
- Gerogery
- Glenellen
- Goombargana
- Henty
- Holbrook
- Humula
- Jindera
- Jingellic
- Lankeys Creek
- Little Billabong
- Moorwatha
- Morven
- Mountain Creek
- Mullengandra
- Rand
- Rosewood
- Table Top
- Talmalmo
- Walbundrie
- Walla Walla
- Wantagong
- Woomargama
- Wymah
- Yarara