Coorong tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Coorong 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: Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 + Planning and Design Code — Regulated and Significant Trees.
Which trees are protected in Coorong?
In SA, a 'regulated tree' (trunk circumference 1m+ / about 32cm diameter at 1m height) generally needs development approval to remove — with exemptions for small trees, certain species, and trees within 3m of a dwelling.
When you may not need approval
- Trees with a trunk circumference under 1 metre (about 32cm diameter at 1m height).
- Within 3 metres of an existing dwelling or in-ground pool on the same allotment — except Willow Myrtle, Angophora, Corymbia or Eucalyptus.
- One of the ~24 exotic species exempted by the Minister (e.g. some pines, willows).
- Dead trees, and trees that are an imminent risk to life or property.
Other rules that can override the above
- Significant trees (2m+ circumference) are protected even where a regulated tree might be exempt.
- Tree-damaging activity near a regulated/significant tree (e.g. building close to it) can also need approval.
- Federal EPBC Act for nationally listed species/communities.
Do I need a permit in Coorong?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Coorong
- Ashville
- Bunbury
- Carcuma
- Colebatch
- Cooke Plains
- Coomandook
- Coombe
- Coonalpyn
- Coorong
- Culburra
- Deepwater
- Elwomple
- Field
- Jabuk
- Ki Ki
- Lake Albert
- Lake Alexandrina
- Malinong
- Meningie
- Meningie East
- Meningie West
- Moorlands
- Narrung
- Naturi
- Netherton
- Ngarkat
- Peake
- Poltalloch
- Salt Creek
- Sherlock
- Tailem Bend
- Tintinara
- Waltowa
- Wellington East
- Yumali