Wentworth Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Wentworth 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 Wentworth Shire Council?
Wentworth Shire 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.
Wentworth Shire Council's 2011 Development Control Plan contains no numeric tree-size thresholds for private land tree removal. Tree protection is limited to: (1) development applications (applicants must demonstrate tree protection during construction), (2) vegetation within 40m of rivers/waterways, and (3) River Red Gum koala habitat. There is no evidence of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or general prohibition on tree removal on private land. Tree removal on private land appears to be uncontrolled outside of development activities. This is typical of rural NSW councils.
When you may not need approval
- Exempt development under Wentworth LEP 2011
- River Red Gum (koala habitat) subject to separate protection requirements
How to apply
Development consent required for tree removal only as part of development applications; no separate tree removal permit system
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 Wentworth Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.