Broken Hill City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Broken Hill City Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Broken Hill City Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 50cm trunk (diameter at 1.4m above ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Broken Hill DCP protects trees ≥5m high OR >50cm diameter (text shows OCR artifact "5o" interpreted as "50"). Separate rules for native vs exotic plants; both require permits/consent. Exemption applies to plants within 3m of dwellings.
When you may not need approval
- within 3 metres of existing or approved dwelling
- if removal permitted by legislation
How to apply
Development consent required for native plants (section 7.2); permit from Council for exotic plants
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Broken Hill City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.