Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area?

Yes, usually — Port Macquarie-Hastings Council requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council?

trees within 3m of existing dwelling on same property (except Core Koala Habitat) dead branches up to 50mm diameter removal of noxious weeds heritage exemptions under LEP clause 5.9(7)

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Port Macquarie-Hastings 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.

Check my tree

Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-28official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council?

Trees about 3m tall or 10cm trunk (diameter at 1.0m above ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Clause 5.9(2) of LEP 2011 applies to trees listed in Table 2.6.1 (Koala Food Trees) AND any tree 3m+ height or 100mm diameter. Koala habitat trees require 2:1 replacement ratio. Heritage item trees require development consent regardless of size.

When you may not need approval

trees within 3m of existing dwelling on same property (except Core Koala Habitat)
dead branches up to 50mm diameter
removal of noxious weeds
heritage exemptions under LEP clause 5.9(7)

How to apply

Permit from Council or Development Consent. For koala food trees (Table 2.6.1): arborist report required stating tree is dangerous, dying, diseased, structurally unsound, or has branch fall history. Pruning must follow Australian Standard AS 4373.

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 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council?

Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.