Hilltops Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Hilltops 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 Hilltops Council?
In Hilltops Council, removing or significantly pruning a protected tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).
Hilltops Council adopted a unified Development Control Plan on 1 July 2025 controlling tree removal on private property within the Hilltops LGA; however, specific numerical thresholds (height, trunk diameter) and exemption details remain unverified in publicly accessible sources and would require direct contact with council or access to the full PDF document text.
When you may not need approval
- Dead or dying trees
- Minor pruning (typically up to 10% under AS 4373-2007)
- Trees on council roadsides or reserves (not permitted)
How to apply
Tree removal and protection applications are lodged electronically via the NSW Planning Portal (planningportal.nsw.gov.au).
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 Hilltops Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Hilltops Council
- Barwang
- Beggan Beggan
- Bendick Murrell
- Berremangra
- Berthong
- Boorowa
- Bribbaree
- Bulla Creek
- Burrangong
- Cooneys Creek
- Crowther
- Cunningar
- Frogmore
- Galong
- Godfreys Creek
- Harden
- Hovells Creek
- Jugiong
- Kikiamah
- Kingsvale
- Koorawatha
- Maimuru
- McMahons Reef
- Memagong
- Milvale
- Monteagle
- Morangarell
- Mount Collins
- Murringo
- Murrumburrah
- Nubba
- Reids Flat
- Rugby
- Rye Park
- Taylors Flat
- Thuddungra
- Tubbul
- Weedallion
- Wirrimah
- Wombat
- Wyangala
- Young