Victoria and Melbourne have specific regulations regarding tree clearing activities, and as an experienced service provider, we understand these regulations and can assist you throughout the process. We can offer you specialist advice and guidance on local regulations, and typical costs of tree clearing in Melbourne, and initiatives to minimise the environmental impacts by up cycling timber to help promote sustainability.

Tree Clearing and The Permit Application Processes

Land clearing is the process of removing trees, vegetation, and other obstacles to create an open space for various purposes. It's important to understand the permit application processes to ensure that the activity is legal and safe. This page will provide an overview of the permit application processes for land clearing in and around Melbourne.

Types of Land Clearing

Before discussing the permit application processes for land clearing, it's important to understand the types of land clearing that may require a permit. The three common types of land clearing include:

  1. Native vegetation removal: Native vegetation is protected in Victoria, and land clearing involving native vegetation commonly require a permit.

  2. Development and construction: Land clearing for development and construction activities, such as building a house or creating a new road, often times require a permit.

  3. Agriculture and farming: Land clearing for agriculture and farming activities, such as creating a pasture or growing crops, may require a permit.

Permit Application Processes

The permit application processes for land clearing in Melbourne vary depending on the type of land clearing activity. In general, land clearing permits are issued by local councils or the Victorian Government.

  1. Native vegetation removal: The Victorian Government manages permits for the removal of native vegetation. The permit application process involves submitting an application to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and obtaining approval before any work can begin. The DELWP will assess the application to determine the impact on the environment and may require conditions to be met to minimize any negative effects.

  2. Development and construction: Local councils manage permits for land clearing for development and construction activities. The permit application process involves submitting an application to the local council and obtaining approval before any work can begin. The council will assess the application to determine if it meets planning requirements and may require conditions to be met to mitigate any negative effects.

  3. Agriculture and farming: Land clearing for agriculture and farming activities is generally exempt from requiring a permit under the Victorian Planning Provisions, but it is important to check with your local council to ensure that the land clearing activities meet the exemption criteria.

Other Considerations

In addition to the permit application processes, there are other considerations when it comes to tree clearing. It is important to consider the environmental impact of the land clearing activities and to take steps to minimise the impact, such as planting new and perhaps better suited vegetation, and to engage with contractors who value the importance of up cycling.

The permit application processes vary depending on the type of land clearing activity, and generally involve submitting an application to the relevant authority and obtaining approval before any work can begin.

See more on how much it may cost to undertake tree clearing