Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Mid-Western Regional Council area?

Yes, usually — Mid-Western Regional Council requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Mid-Western Regional Council?

height not exceeding 4m AND trunk diameter not exceeding 150mm pruning for regeneration or shaping removal to prevent imminent personal injury or property damage dangerous trees noxious plants

Mid-Western Regional Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Mid-Western 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.

Check my tree

Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-28official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Mid-Western Regional Council?

Trees about 4m tall or 15cm trunk (diameter at 1m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Rule applies specifically to RU5 Village zone in Rylstone and Kandos; Mudgee and Gulgong are governed by a separate significant tree register where only listed trees require consent.

When you may not need approval

height not exceeding 4m AND trunk diameter not exceeding 150mm
pruning for regeneration or shaping
removal to prevent imminent personal injury or property damage
dangerous trees
noxious plants

How to apply

Council consent required for tree removal, ringbarking, topping, lopping, injuring or wilfully destroying any tree in RU5 Village zones (Rylstone and Kandos); exempted trees listed above do not require consent.

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 Mid-Western Regional Council?

Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.