Tree removal laws in Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has no councils — tree protection is run territory-wide. Since 1 January 2024 the Urban Forest Act 2023 replaced the older Tree Protection Act 2005 and lowered the thresholds. On private (leased) land, a tree is protected if it is 8 metres or more tall (or 8 metres or more in canopy width) AND has a trunk circumference of 1 metre or more (about 32cm diameter). You need ACT Government approval (a tree activity application) to remove or significantly prune a protected tree.
Legal basis: Urban Forest Act 2023 (ACT) — administered territory-wide (no councils).
Common exemptions
- Trees under 8m tall and under 8m canopy width.
- Trees with a trunk circumference under 1 metre (about 32cm diameter).
- Dead trees and trees that are an imminent hazard (evidence required).
Rules that can override exemptions
- Registered trees on the ACT Tree Register are protected regardless of size.
- Approval is also needed for work that could damage a protected tree on neighbouring land.
- Federal EPBC Act for nationally listed species/communities.
Australian Capital Territory councils (1)
Pick your council for its specific tree-removal rules.