Cobar Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Cobar Shire 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 Cobar Shire Council?
Cobar Shire Council generally does not require council approval to remove trees on private property — its tree controls don't apply to private land. Other laws (native vegetation, heritage, threatened species) may still apply, so confirm with the council.
Cobar Shire Council's Tree Preservation Policy (2015, File P5-2) applies ONLY to public land reserves and roads. Defines tree as >3m height OR >3m diameter whichever is less. No current Development Control Plan found; council is preparing comprehensive DCP (targeted May 2026). No Tree Preservation Order regime or numeric thresholds found for private land tree removal. This appears to be a rural council with minimal private land tree protections under current planning instruments.
When you may not need approval
- Public land only (roads, recreation reserves, cemeteries)
- Dying or dead trees
- Dangerous trees posing risk to life/property
How to apply
Council approval required for tree removal on public land; no requirement found for private land
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 Cobar Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.