Murray River Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Murray River 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 Murray River Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 20cm trunk (diameter at 1m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Development consent required in specified zones (R1, R2, R5, RU5, B2, B6, IN1, SP2, E3) for trees ≥5m high or ≥20cm diameter at 1m; exemptions apply for dead, dying, diseased, or structurally unsound trees with arborist verification.
When you may not need approval
- dead or dying trees (with arborist verification)
- diseased or structurally unsound trees (with arborist verification)
- dangerous trees posing imminent risk to life or property (with qualified person assessment)
How to apply
Submit completed application form with independent arborist report assessing tree health, structural condition, risk factors, aesthetic value, habitat value, and alternatives to removal. Council provides determination within 10 working days.
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 Murray River Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Murray River Council
- Aratula
- Barham
- Bullatale
- Bunnaloo
- Burraboi
- Caldwell
- Calimo
- Cobramunga
- Cunninyeuk
- Deniliquin
- Dhuragoon
- Dilpurra
- Gonn
- Goodnight
- Keri Keri
- Koraleigh
- Kyalite
- Mallan
- Mathoura
- Mellool
- Moama
- Moolpa
- Moulamein
- Murray Downs
- Niemur
- Noorong
- Speewa
- Stony Crossing
- Tantonan
- Thule
- Thyra
- Tooleybuc
- Tooranie
- Tullakool
- Wakool
- Waugorah
- Wetuppa
- Womboota
- Yanga