Central Coast Council Tree Removal Policies

Posted on October 11, 2016 by - Arborist, Central Coast Council, Tree Removal, Tree Removal Gosford, Tree Removal Wyong

Gosford and Wyong Councils have amalgamated, what will happen to their tree policies?

Tree Climbing

Tree Climbing

Current Gosford Council Policy Simplified – Get Approval Unless*

*Put simply, any tree over 3m tall needs approval for removal within the Gosford Council boundary.

Exceptions:

  • The tree is under 3m in height;
  • The tree is within 3m of a Council approved structure (pool, house, building);
  • The tree is part of a current approved DA (Development Application);
  • The tree is dead;
  • Pruning of branches directly over a Council approved building;
  • Pruning of branches interfering with service wires;
  • The tree is an exempt species: Camphor Laurel, Cocos Palm, Radiata Pine,Willow Tree, Rubber Tree, Non-native Fruit Trees, Umbrella Tree, Coral Tree and Golden Cypress Pine Trees.
gosford_council_exempt_tree_species

Current Wyong Council Policy Simplified – Cut anything down*!

*Within the Wyong Council boundary: On a residential house block (under 1500 square metres) – any tree can be removed, so long as it is not a threatened species.

If you live on a property larger than 1500 square metres – any tree within 12 metres of a structure can be removed without approval, so long as it is not a threatened species.

What is a protected tree? – see this attached link below.

wyong-protected-trees

cuttingtreesection

How do I apply for work on my trees?

Wyong Council: follow the below link:

tree-works-application-form-aug-2015-pdf-aspx

Gosford Council please click on the link: Gosford Online Tree Works Application

Printable version for Gosford:

gosford_tree_works_application

What is the future?

Both these Councils within the same demographic and geographic area have wildly different attitudes towards trees. I don’t see any change in the immediate future, but I would like to see Wyong Council shift their “cut anything down” policy  to align more with Gosford Councils policy towards the preservation and maintenance of trees in the Central Coast region.

For any questions or to arrange a FREE quote or tree assessment: Contact an Arborist, Will Jones: 0402 418 017

arborist