Temora Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Temora 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 Temora Shire Council?
Trees about 30cm trunk (circumference at 40cm above ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Tree removal protection applies to land identified as being of ecological significance under DCP Section C Chapter 3 (Tree and vegetation preservation). Tree defined as: circumference ≥30cm (at 40cm height) OR height ≥2.5m OR branch spread >2.5m. Removal requires Council permit or development consent. Also protected: native vegetation in non-urban/non-industrial zones (via Native Vegetation Act). Heritage trees separately protected under Schedule 5 of LEP. Street trees on Council land are offences to fell. Confidence is medium due to conditional nature of protection (only applies to ecologically significant mapped areas) and reliance on archived DCP document (2012) without Cloudflare-blocked access to current council website versions.
When you may not need approval
- noxious or environmental woody weeds
- exotic and invasive woody species
How to apply
Council permit or development consent required for removal
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 Temora Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.