Changes to Tree Preservation Order

Ku-ring-gai Council, in accordance with Clause 42(4)of the Ku-ring-gai Planning Scheme Ordinance, has adopted a new Tree Preservation Order.

The Tree Preservation Order was adopted by Council's resolution of 12 December 2006, and advertised in the Government Gazette of 25 January 2007 and may be viewed at Council's Customer Services, Level 4, 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon.

What is the Tree Preservation Order?

Council's Tree Preservation Order requires that permission of Council is secured prior to works such as pruning or tree removal being undertaken to trees protected under the Order.

The order defines the types of trees, works and situations where an application for tree works is required and permission from Council is to be sought before such works can be undertaken. Included within the Order are various exemptions, where permission from Council for certain works is not required.

Council has completed its review of its Tree Preservation Order, which was last fully reviewed in 1995. 

Changes to the order include:

• New "FAQ" format to make the order easier to understand.
• A new introduction concerning the purpose of the Order and explicit aims of the Order.
• Full definition of a "tree" under the Order.
• Deletion of an existing exemption in relation to trees in the path of approved services.
• Exemptions do not apply to heritage properties.
• Substantial expansion of tree works prohibited under the Order.
• Change to pruning exemption over rooflines to include Australian Standards.
• Reduction in exemption clearance for electrical service lines.
• An improved definition concerning the 3m exemption from dwellings.
• Acknowledgement of Council tree works as an exemption subject to Council policy requirements.
• Acknowledgement of approval for tree works under development consent.
• Acknowledgement of exemption for tree works approved under the Rural Fires Act.
• Specific reference to an appeal process.
• Specific reference to tree replacement.
• Linking of exempt species list with Council's Weed Management Policy.
• Liquidambar exemption changed from 15m to 12m in height, Camphor Laurel not exempt on heritage properties  or where 15m in height or greater.
• Cocos Palm, Celtis (Nettle Tree), and Erythrina crista - galli (Cockscomb Coral Tree) added to exemption list.

Tree Assessment Guidelines and Replenishment Guidelines

These guidelines endorsed by Council at its meeting of 12 December 2006 have been developed to provide clarification and guidance for the implementation of key aspects of the Order, these being the assessment of applications for pruning or removal, and replacement of trees removed under the Order.

The guidelines do not form part of the Order and are internal documents used as a guide when implementing these aspects of the order.

View the Tree Preservation Order and other information.