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

Yes, usually — Northern Grampians 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 Northern Grampians?

Information on specific exemptions not available from accessible sources

Northern Grampians tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Northern Grampians 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: Planning and Environment Act 1987 + local planning scheme overlays (Vegetation Protection, Significant Landscape, Environmental Significance); VicSmart fast-track permits.

● 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 Northern Grampians?

Trees about 49cm trunk (circumference 155cm at 1m above ground level; for multiple trunks sum the 4 largest circumferences) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Northern Grampians Tree Protection Local Law 2016 protects canopy trees on private land. Trunk circumference threshold 155cm (approximately 50cm diameter), measured at 1m above ground level. Multiple trunk trees: sum the 4 largest circumferences. Maximum penalty 2000 dollars per offence. Multiple independent sources confirm this threshold, but official Local Law PDF could not be accessed (council website blocks downloads). Council also applies Clause 52.17 planning scheme (native vegetation removal) and state-level Clause 52.37 (canopy trees defined as 5m+ height and 50cm+ trunk circumference at 1.4m height).

When you may not need approval

Information on specific exemptions not available from accessible sources

How to apply

Permit required for removal of protected canopy trees on private land under Tree Protection Local Law 2016; application to Northern Grampians Council required

Other rules that can override the above

Planning scheme overlays (VPO / SLO / ESO).
Bushfire (BMO) clearing entitlements in designated areas.
Federal EPBC Act for nationally listed species/communities.

Do I need a permit in Northern Grampians?

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