DISCLAIMER
Important information concerning the interpretations of legislation and other policies contained in this page. It is recommended that the Disclaimer be read in conjunction with the information provided.
Trees are defined as woody plants that grow over a certain height, usually over three metres and sometimes also over a certain diameter at chest height or canopy spread. In recognition of the fact that most councils value the contribution of trees to our living environment, Meander Valley Council requires a person to obtain permission before removing individual trees or lopping branches either on private land or council land, under provisions in their planning schemes. These provisions may vary between zones or overlay areas. A Forest Practices Plan is usually required to clear large numbers of trees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need permission to remove a tree on my land?
Contact the council before cutting, damaging or removing any trees on your land. You generally do not require a Planning Permit to remove individual trees, especially if they are:
Some land titles have a tree protection order attached to them. This means you require written approval from council before trees can be removed. Also some councils require a Planning Permit if you are in a special zone like an environmental protection or landscape protection zone.
Contact the Planning Department on (03) 6393 5320 to check whether the tree is in a protection zone and what provisions apply. Please give a good description of the tree's location and what the problem is.
If you are removing a tree or trees as part of a development application you need to indicate the locations of the tree or trees on your plans.
Council officers will decide whether the trees should be removed or not in their overall assessment of the development.
Clearing large numbers of trees
In general terms:
These are assessed and issued by the Forest Practices Board and are completely separate from any council approval.
Further information about the Forest Practices Board and Forest Practices Plans can be found on the Forest Practices Board website.
If you are clearing 'vulnerable' land you must always first obtain a Forest Practices Plan, regardless of the size of the area. Vulnerable land is defined in the Forest Practices Regulations 1997 as land:
2. How long does it take to get permission to remove a tree?
After you submit the application form to remove a tree it will be passed on to the council's Planning Department and they will assess whether you need a permit. Someone from the Works Department, or an arborist, will inspect the tree and make a recommendation. You will then beinformed of the decision and may be issued with a permit, or asked to provide further information and submit a development application. You may be charged for this.
If you contact council on (03) 6393 5320, you will be advised whether you can remove your tree without further investigation, or if a Council Officer will need to inspect the tree before a decision can be made. An inspection will be made within seven days. Should a Development Application (fee $250) be required, the application will be a discretionary one requiring advertising, with a fourteen day wait period for comments to be made by interested parties. If no comments are received a decision can be expected within a further seven days. If objections are received the decision needs to be referred to a full Council Meeting, which could mean a delay of up to one month.
3. Does it cost anything to remove a tree?
It costs $250 if a Discretionary Use Development Application is required, otherwise no fee is payable.
4. Can I get a tree lopped or removed from a neighbour's property?
Councils do not generally get involved in negotiations between neighbours regarding trees. It is up to you to talk to your neighbour and work out a mutually acceptable solution.
If your neighbour decides that they do want to remove a tree they will need to apply to council for permission by using this form: Development Application Form.
Your neighbour will need to follow the process described in Question 2 above.
5. Can I get a tree lopped or removed from council land?
You will need to approach the Council's Planning Department on (03) 6393 5320 which will investigate your request. Should Council Officers believe the removal of the tree is warranted they will follow the process detailed in Question 2 above.
You will need to submit a written request to the Council, stating where the tree is and what the issue is. Someone from the council will inspect the tree and if a decision is made that the tree is unsafe or diseased, council will organise to remove it.
Should Council Officers believe the removal of the tree is warranted they will follow the process detailed in Question 2 above.
6. Are there significant trees in my area and what does that mean?
Some councils have a Significant Tree Register, a Tree Preservation Order or trees and gardens that are listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. These may apply to particular trees, or all the trees in a certain area or zone. These trees cannot be damaged or removed without a permit.
Contact the council on (03) 6393 5320 to find out what the situation is in your area.
7. Can I object to a tree being removed?
You will need to contact the council to find out if you can object to a tree being removed. In many cases no specific appeals process will exist but council may be happy to receive comments.
It is possible to object and also to appeal council's decision, if:
If you object, you must do so to the council, within 14 days of the development proposal being advertised.
If you wish to appeal councils decision you must:
The Tribunal charges a fee of $55 for lodging an appeal and a special form must be filled out. The Tribunal can be contacted on Ph: 6233 6464.
A clear explanation of the process involved in appealing against planning decisions can be found in Chapter 5 of the Environmental Law Handbook, 2nd Edition, published by the Environmental Defenders Office. It is available from their office at 131 Macquarie St, Hobart, Ph: 6223 2770 and also from all major bookstores and Service Tasmania outlets.
8. What about tree roots and drains?
Tree roots can be aggressive and can often exert pressure on buildings, footpaths, fences and pipes. Existing cracks in pipes allow root invasion, as tree roots will seek out sources of moisture and nutrients.
Under the LocalGovernment Act 1993, councils 'by notice in writing served on the owner or occupier of land, may require the owner or occupier to cut the roots of a tree or bush or remove a tree or bush the roots of which are interfering with any building or structure on or under other land' (Part 12, Section 184).
Pouring herbicides down blocked drains will not clear the roots but will almost certainly result in pollution problems and will kill the tree. Find out where the drains and pipes are on your property before planting large trees. Many councils have information about trees to avoid near drains.
Plans of public and private drains can be viewed in the Plumbing Section of your council, call on (03) 6393 5322.
To refer a problem with blocked drains to Council call (03) 6393 5300 and ask for the matter to be logged on our Customer Service Request system. A Council Officer will investigate the matter on-site to attempt to resolve the issue. You may be required to obtain further independent advice to assist with progressing a solution.
