New rules for tree clearing

The new rules, to be introduced next year in the next session of Parliament, would allow homeowners in designated areas to fell trees within 10 metres of their homes and clear shrubs and other vegetation out to 50 metres on their own land without requiring planning permission.

Shoalhaven residents already have permission to remove trees close to their homes either under council’s 45 degree rule or through RFS recommendation.

Shoalhaven City Council’s environmental services manager Shane Pickering did not think the new rules would have much impact in the Shoalhaven.

“As far as council’s concerned our tree preservation order allows trees to be removed within 45 degrees of the building. That can mean removal of trees 20 metres out.

“So council has already empowered residents to do that.

“Also residents can apply to the RFS for a hazard reduction certificate which if approved can override council legislation.” 

The proposal comes weeks after early-season bushfires in the Blue Mountains and elsewhere destroyed more than 200 homes and damaged 120 more.

Premier Barry O’Farrell said residents in designated bushfire prone areas would not need to seek permission to sensibly clear vegetation from around their property that is posing a fire risk.

Homeowners will be encouraged to “responsibly manage fire risks on their own properties”, Mr O’Farrell said.

“Our changes will ensure the rules regarding hazard reduction are based on protecting lives and property and not satisfying a narrow Green agenda that seeks to put trees before people.”

While the clearing rules won’t go before the parliament this year, the government will this week introduce laws giving the Rural Fire Service Commissioner the power to carry out hazard reduction burning on private land without consent of the owner if “reasonable attempts to contact the landowner have failed”.