Wollondilly Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Wollondilly 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 Wollondilly Shire Council?
In Wollondilly Shire Council, removing or significantly pruning a protected tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).
Council approval required to remove native vegetation on private property unless the tree is dead/dying (not needed for wildlife), verified hazardous (Level 5 assessment), listed exempt species, or declared weed under Biosecurity Act 2015. The 3-metre dwelling buffer exemption is not supported by official Wollondilly guidance.
When you may not need approval
- Dead or dying trees not needed for wildlife habitat
- Within 3 metres of existing dwelling or primary access driveway
- Verified hazardous/imminent risk trees (Level 5 arborist assessment)
- Declared regional significance weeds (Biosecurity Act 2015)
- Exempt species (~40+ species including African Olive, Bamboo, Camphor Laurel under 20m, Privet, Willow)
How to apply
Submit Tree Management Application (Tier 1 for ≤5 trees or ≤100 sqm vegetation; Tier 2 for >5 trees or >100 sqm) to council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au with property owner consent and payment; council assesses within 30 business days; permit valid 12 months.
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 Wollondilly Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Wollondilly Shire Council
- Appin
- Bargo
- Belimbla Park
- Beloon
- Bimlow
- Bindook
- Brereton
- Brownlow Hill
- Burragorang Valley
- Buxton
- Camden Park
- Cataract
- Cawdor
- Couridjah
- Darkes Forest
- Douglas Park
- Glenmore
- Ingar
- Jamison Valley
- Jooriland
- Kedumba
- Kowmung
- Lakesland
- Maldon
- Massif Ridge
- Menangle
- Mount Hunter
- Mowbray Park
- Nattai
- Oakdale
- Orangeville
- Pheasants Nest
- Picton
- Razorback
- Silverdale
- Tahmoor
- The Oaks
- Theresa Park
- Thirlmere
- Wallacia
- Warragamba
- Werombi
- Wilton
- Yanderra
- Yerranderie