Tree Removal Prospect Council Regulations

Updated: 15 December 2021

Can I remove a tree in Randwick Council without a council permit?

Yes, but under certain conditions

Under what conditions?

The tree can be removed without council approval if;

You can remove trees or clear vegetation in the following circumstances:

• Height equal to or exceeding six metres;

• A canopy width equal to or exceeding four metres;

• For a single trunk tree species, a trunk circumference equal to or exceeding one metre at a height of one metre above ground level; or

• for a multi-trunk tree species, a combined trunk circumference (measured around the outer girth of the group of trunks) equal to or exceeding one (1) metre at a height of one (1) metre above ground level.

• If the tree is dying or dead or is a risk to human life or property and is not required as the habitat of native fauna – Assessing wildlife habitat;

• if the tree is growing within two (2) metres of any building (excluding an outbuilding) measured horizontally from the closest point of the trunk at one (1) metre from ground level to the closest point of the vertical alignment of the building structure which must be the eave, guttering or fixed awning of the building;

• tree works to give effect to a development consent that permits the pruning or removal of the subject trees;

There are trees that can be removed no matter what their size or condition as they are considered a pest by your local council. The above-listed conditions do not apply.

Yes, see table below

These are trees growing in public areas such as parks, reserves, streets and open spaces.

They are managed and maintained by the council.

Such maintenance activities include planting, watering, pruning when necessary, removing when dead or structurally unsound, or clearance when appropriate.

The council encourages residents to report any cases involving trees on public land.

In case you want action taken on trees on public land you should file an online request indicating your name, address and contacts, location of the trees, and reasons for removal or pruning.

Here is a link to the online request service.

https://onlineservices.randwick.nsw.gov.au/ePathway/Production/Web/CustomerService/NewCustomerService.aspx

In case you need to remove or work on trees growing on a rented property you will need two main things.

You will need to get consent from the owner of the property and apply for a permit. The consent should accompany the application letter.

The council monitors any trees that overgrow and overhang on public land. When it is council trees, then they will take the responsibility of pruning or removing.

In cases where it is private trees, the council will contact the owner and request them to either prune or in some cases remove in case the overhanging tree is obstructing a public area.

For 1 tree – $76
Per any additional tree – $28.

http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/23150/Tree-Permit-Application-Form.PDF

Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.

Yes. The council of Randwick offers a chance to review a determination on tree permits. All you have to do is make sure that you fill the form with all the necessary details.

You also have to defend your case for the review to be accepted. Here is a link to the form.
https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/13816/Review-of-Determination-of-a-Tree-Permit-Application-Form.PDF

Phone: 1300722542
Mailing Address: 30 Frances Street Randwick NSW 2031
Website: http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au

The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.

http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/preserving-our-trees