Wollongong City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Wollongong City 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 Wollongong City Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 30cm trunk (diameter at ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Trees exceeding 5m height or 30cm trunk diameter at ground level require council approval; exempt species (list of 30, not including Liquidambar) and certain development-approved removals do not, but dead/dying trees do require approval, and exempt removals are limited to 5 trees per application; additional approval needed if tree is heritage-listed or supports threatened species.
When you may not need approval
- Exempt tree species (African Fern Pine, Camphor Laurel, domestic fruit trees, Liquidambar, Oleander, Peppercorn, Radiata Pine, Silky Oak, and others listed on council website)
- Dead or dying trees
- Minor pruning (branches up to 10cm diameter)
- Trees in complying development scenarios
- Properties zoned RU1, RU2, RU4 (require Local Land Services approval instead)
- Exemptions do not apply if tree is in threatened ecological community, provides protected habitat, or is in heritage conservation area
How to apply
Submit a Tree Permit application online or via PDF form with site plan, photos, and reason for removal. Processing takes around 28 working days. Fee starts at $109 for 1-2 trees. Approval includes a condition to plant a replacement tree or pay council to do so.
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 Wollongong City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Wollongong City Council
- Austinmer
- Avon
- Avondale
- Balgownie
- Bellambi
- Berkeley
- Brownsville
- Bulli
- Cataract
- Cleveland
- Clifton
- Coalcliff
- Coledale
- Coniston
- Cordeaux
- Cordeaux Heights
- Corrimal
- Cringila
- Dapto
- Darkes Forest
- Dombarton
- East Corrimal
- Fairy Meadow
- Farmborough Heights
- Fernhill
- Figtree
- Garie
- Gwynneville
- Haywards Bay
- Helensburgh
- Horsley
- Huntley
- Kanahooka
- Keiraville
- Kembla Grange
- Kembla Heights
- Koonawarra
- Lake Heights
- Lilyvale
- Maddens Plains
- Mangerton
- Marshall Mount
- Mount Keira
- Mount Kembla
- Mount Ousley
- Mount Pleasant
- Mount Saint Thomas
- North Wollongong
- Otford
- Palona
- Port Kembla
- Primbee
- Russell Vale
- Scarborough
- Spring Hill
- Stanwell Park
- Stanwell Tops
- Stream Hill
- Tarrawanna
- Thirroul
- Towradgi
- Unanderra
- Warrawong
- West Wollongong
- Windang
- Wollongong
- Wombarra
- Wongawilli
- Woonona
- Woronora Dam
- Yallah