Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Kingborough area?

Yes, usually — Kingborough 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 Kingborough?

exotic/non-Tasmanian native species (unless listed as Significant Tree) pruning per Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 trees in development with planning permits under LUPA 1993 trees under certified Forest Practices Plans (unless Significant) trees under Water Management Act permits (unless Significant) council activities on council land

Kingborough tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Kingborough 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 Official council page ↗

Legal basis: Tasmanian Planning Scheme + council planning provisions.

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-29official source ↗

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

Which trees are protected in Kingborough?

Trees about 26cm trunk (circumference 80cm at 1.4m height; converted to diameter) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Kingborough Council has dual protection mechanism: (1) Automatic protection for native Tasmanian trees with circumference >80cm at 1.4m above ground level (≈25.5cm diameter); (2) Discretionary protection via Significant Tree Register for individually nominated trees meeting aesthetic, historical, heritage, rarity, or age criteria (Policy 5.9, Sept 2021). By-Law No. 1 of 2022 enforced with penalties up to 20 penalty units. Applies across entire Kingborough municipal area on private property.

When you may not need approval

exotic/non-Tasmanian native species (unless listed as Significant Tree)
pruning per Australian Standard AS 4373-2007
trees in development with planning permits under LUPA 1993
trees under certified Forest Practices Plans (unless Significant)
trees under Water Management Act permits (unless Significant)
council activities on council land

How to apply

Written application to General Manager via approved form; prescribed fee required; must include activity description, scaled drawings, safety plan, public liability insurance, and other information as requested; General Manager considers infrastructure damage, public safety, environmental harm, traffic impacts; may impose offsets for high conservation value/priority species

Other rules that can override the above

Planning scheme codes (biodiversity, landscape).
Federal EPBC Act.

Kingborough tree removal rules

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Which trees are protected in Kingborough?

When you may not need approval

How to apply

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Kingborough?

Suburbs in Kingborough