The State Government has placed controls on the removal or lopping of native vegetation in Victoria. It is administered through the Planning Scheme and the planning permit system.
Both north and south of the River in Warrandyte, we have recently witnessed significant tree clearing without a permit. In these cases, Councils were too late to respond and trees were removed, resulting in significant habitat loss and destruction.
If you see tree or vegetation removal that you believe may be illegal, report it. In Nillumbik contact Council’s Planning Services team on 9433 3343.
After-hours Nillumbik has a pager service which operates from 5pm to 8.30am on weekdays, and all day on weekends. This service is only for urgent matters. However, if you see your neighbour or someone else undertaking significant tree clearing on the weekend or public holidays, it requires urgent action. Phone 03 9433 3334 outside of business hours.
In Manningham, contact Council’s Statutory Planning Department on 03 9840 9333 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. After hours call the same number, 03 9840 9333 and the call will be diverted to an after-hours service that will respond.
In Nillumbik, vegetation on private land generally requires Council approval to be removed or pruned.
Clause 52 of the Nillumbik General Local Law 1 applies from 20 January 2023 and outlines when a permit is required to remove, destroy, damage, interfere or kill a ‘substantial tree’. This means a tree or palm that has a trunk circumference of 50cm or greater measured at its base or one metre above ground level.
Some exemptions from the Amenity Tree Local Law permit requirement apply to properties that are outside of the Urban Growth Boundary or properties within a designated Bushfire Prone Area or the Bushfire Management Overlay (most of North Warrandyte). An exemption also applies where permission has already been provided for in a planning permit issued under the Nillumbik Planning Scheme; where the tree is dead; if the tree is a Pinus radiata; or if the tree is listed on the Shire of Nillumbik Environmental Weed List 2009.
To check if a property is within the Bushfire Area Prone mapping or is outside the Urban Growth Boundary, visit the VicPlan website where you can input the property address to check.
To check if a property requires a Local Laws permit under the Amenity Trees Local Law, contact Council’s Planning Services team on 9433 3343, or email nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.
In Manningham the removal of trees and other vegetation without a permit is a matter of great concern to the Warrandyte community. It is a particular problem in the Green Wedge areas.
Under certain circumstances, a fine may be issued for vegetation removal, destruction of, or lopping of trees without a permit. An infringement may apply to each tree affected. In serious cases, if Council pursues legal action through the Victorian Magistrates Court, fines of up to $140,000 may be imposed.
Sadly a fine, does not restore the vegetation.