New statewide planning controls for canopy tree protection have come into effect in Victoria, including across the City of Whittlesea.
These changes introduce Clause 52.37 - Canopy Trees into all planning schemes, meaning that in many residential areas you now need a planning permit to remove, lop or destroy a canopy tree, even if there are no other overlays on your property.
The goal of this law is to retain and enhance our leafy neighbourhood character, support local biodiversity, and help reduce urban heat.
A canopy tree is generally defined as a tree that has all of the following:
- a height of 5m or more
- a trunk circumference of more than 0.5m measured at 1.4m above ground
- a canopy spread of at least 4m across.
What does this mean for removing trees on your property?
These protections apply in many residential zones, meaning that even on private land, you may need to check before removing or significantly pruning larger trees. A permit may also be required when planning new homes or extensions that could affect canopy trees.
The City of Whittlesea is currently working to develop clear, easy-to-understand information and guidance tailored for our community and staff. In the meantime, if you’re thinking about removing a tree and aren’t sure whether you need a permit, we’re here to help. Call us on 03 9217 2170 and ask for our Planning team to talk through your questions.
Before you prune or remove any remnant tree, you should find out whether it's protected by legislation. You may face prosecution and enforcement action if you breach the Whittlesea Planning Scheme by removing native vegetation.
When you'll probably need a permit
In many cases, you'll need a planning permit to remove:
- native trees
- shrubs
- herbs
- grasses.
Before removing anything, please check with us first.
Phone: 03 9217 2259
Email: buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
When you might not need a permit
The Whittlesea Planning Scheme, particularly Clauses 52.16 and 52.17, contain a number of exemptions where you don’t need a permit, for example, to remove:
- vegetation around your rural property for protection from bushfire
- previously planted (rather than native) vegetation.
Our staff can advise you to what extent these and other exemptions relate to your land.
Learn more about planning permits.
In many areas of cultural heritage significance, such as areas or sites affected by a Heritage Overlay, you may need a planning permit to remove any non-native vegetation such as exotic garden trees.
Before removing anything, check with us first:
Phone: 03 9217 2259
Email: buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Learn more about planning permits
All Victorian planning schemes require that native vegetation removal is avoided wherever possible.
If removal cannot be avoided, the removal should be minimised through suitable planning and design.
Vegetation losses that are unavoidable may need to be offset with net gains or placement elsewhere.
Before removing anything, check with us first:
Phone: 03 9217 2259
Email: buildplan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Learn more about planning permits
River Red Gums are given extra protection under the Whittlesea Planning Scheme as they are an important part of our local landscape and have high heritage value.
For more information, see our River Red Gum Protection Policy.