Can I remove trees and vegetation?
A planning permit is required if you wish to remove or prune trees or other vegetation, generally.
Your have the best chance of approval if:
You demonstrate there is no other option but to remove the trees/vegetation
The overall impact of the vegetation removal on the surrounding landscape and ecology of the area is minimal
The tree/vegetation removal is minimised, with good quality vegetation & significant,healthy trees being successfully retained
You and are willing to work with Dept on developing a revegetation plan to provide replacement planting that achieves a long term environmental gain. This can be done through an offsets program that has been prepared by a professional consultant after talking to a planner and the application includes detailed information from an arborist or ecologist
Dead and dangerous trees
A dangerous tree must first be inspected by an arborist(fee applies). An urgent inspection may be required for safety reasons (e.g. falling ove ror limbs hanging off). An arborist decides if the tree can be removed without a planning permit – you need to do this to cover yourself – check first exemptions may apply..
Employing an arborist
When you need an arboricultural report ensure;
Minimum of Australian Qualification Framework Level lV (Certificate) in Arboriculture
Experience in writing arboricultural reports related to site development and statutory planning
Public Liability Insurance of $20M
Professional Indemnity Insurance of $5M
When employing an arborist, please ensure the consultant template is completed.
When you remove native vegetation you are required to offset that removal. Offsets can be either a first Party (on your site) or a Third Party (on another site-not yours).
First Party offsets require a management plan to be completed on the site, a Section 173 placed over the area and follow up to DELWP every year for 10 years. Its a much cheaper alternative but comes with management & reporting costs that you the applicant needs to know. Third Party offsets are we get a quote from a broker and pay a fee from a few thousand $ up.
Third party offset is a set & forget solution.
When applying for a planning permit make sure you can afford either offset – at the start. Express Permits has experience with offsets and what is possible.