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Tree Pruning and Removal Assessment Form

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About this form

ABOUT THIS FORM

  • Please complete this form to determine what type of Council-issued approval (if any) is required prior to tree removal or pruning.
  • This is an online form which will explain the provisions required before any tree removal.
  • For further information, please follow any relevant links which will direct you to the required third party website or contact Port Stephens Council on 02 4988 0255.
  • Throughout this form, the term "tree" is used to refer to trees, shrubs and vegetation.

YOUR PRIVACY

Port Stephens Council is committed to protecting your privacy. We take responsible steps to comply with relevant legislation and Council policy

Purpose- Council collects this information to review and confirm eligibility to apply a valid exemption to the tree permit process

Intended recipients- Council assessing Officers will use the provided information to review whether it is satisfied that an exemption can be justifiably applied

Supply- Submission of this form is required to satisfy chapter B1 of the Port Stephens Development Control Plan

Consequence of Non Provision- Failure to provide this form within the stipulated timeframes may result in compliance and enforcement action in instances where trees have been removed without satisfying Council that a valid exemption applies

Storage and security- this document will be placed on the relevant file and/or saved in Council’s records management system in accordance with Council Policy and relevant legislation.

Access- Please contact Council on 02 4988 0255 to enquire how you can access information

Form cannot be submitted until all field errors on this page have been fixed.

Part 1

You must select one of the search results

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Is the tree located on your private property?: *

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⛔ NEIGHBOURING TREES - If it is a neighbour’s tree, contact your neighbour. Disputes about neighbouring trees can only be dealt with by the NSW Land and Environment Court

A person may prune the branches of a tree overhanging their property in accordance with AS4373-2007 – Pruning of Amenity Trees provided that the pruning is not undertaken beyond the property boundary and the pruning is undertaken in accordance with Chapter B1 of the Port Stephens Development Control Plan. You must consult with your neighbour before entering their property.

TREES ON COUNCIL LAND - If the tree is on Council land, contact Council by: 

  • Lodging a request - to prune or remove a public (council) tree in a park, reserve, recreational facility, footpath, roadside etc. 
  • Call - 4899 0255 for further clarification on the process required for removing your trees.
Is the tree located in a non-rural zone?: *

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REMOVING TREES ON RURAL PROPERTIES - If the tree/vegetation is in a rural zone the Local Land Service will manage any required tree removal. More information is available on the Local Land Service website or call 1300 795 299.

  ℹ   FIND THE ZONING OF YOUR PROPERTY - To find the zoning of the property, enter the address into the NSW Planning Portal and clIck the document icon next to the address panel to generate a report. 

Your property must be zoned R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, IN1, IN2, IN4, RU5, SP1, SP2, RE1, RE2, E2, E3, or E4 to be classified as a non-rural zone.  

Form cannot be submitted until all field errors on this page have been fixed.

Part 2

Is there an IMMEDIATE risk to life or property within 48 hours?: *

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Have you dealt with the risk?: * Pruned or removed the tree

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DECISION - Removal or pruning DOES NOT require a Council-issued permit. Please complete this form to notify Council of the removal/pruning details and retain a copy for 12 months. You must complete and submit this form to Council within 10 working days of pruning or removing the tree. 

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

STOP – Please remove the risk to protect life and property as a priority. You must still complete the form AFTER addressing the risk and submit it to Council within 10 working days of pruning or removing the tree.

Unsure, please use the links below for more information

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🌐 CHECK USING THE LINKS BELOW:  

Is the tree and/or vegetation: *

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Does your application include a tree that DO NOT meet one of the items listed above?: *

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DECISION - You CAN remove or prune the tree without a Council issued permit or a requirement to notify Council. 

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

Is the tree and/or vegetation declared as an exotic species listed below: * Unsure - check by using the link below

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Does your application include a tree species that IS NOT listed as an exotic species above?: *

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✅ DECISION - You CAN remove or prune the tree without a Council issued permit or a requirement to notify Council. 

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

Is your property within a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area?: * Unsure - use the Rural Fire Service 10/50 Vegetation Tool link below

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Are any of the tree and/or vegetation within 10m of your house or machinery shed?: *

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Does your application also include a tree further than 10m of your house or machinery shed?: *

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✅ DECISION - You CAN remove or prune the tree within 10m in accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997. Please ensure that you are only clearing in accordance with the 10/50 Code.

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

✅ DECISION - Please continue with this form excluding all trees within 10m of your house or machinery shed as You CAN remove or prune the trees with in 10m in accordance with the Rural Fires Act 1997. Please ensure that you are only clearing in accordance with the 10/50 Code.

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

Is the tree dead or dying?: * Council requires a report prepared by an AQF 3 qualified Arborist to confirm that the tree is dead or dying and habitat.

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Do you have an arborist report including a statement of available habitat?: *

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(maximum 10 MB per file; limit 3 files)
Use the "Choose files" button (above) or drop files here to upload.
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STOP - A report prepared by an AQF 3 qualified arborist is required to confirm that the tree is dead or dying and not habitat of native animals. Please obtain this report and come back to this form OR "Save Draft" to receive a link to this form that will expire after 5 days. 

Is the dead or dying tree habitat as per arborist report?: *

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✅ DECISION - Please complete this form to notify Council of the intended removal/pruning details. Council will assess your proposal and advise you of the outcome. 

DO NOT take action to remove/prune until this advice is received. 

  ℹ    For further information please reference Council Development Control Plan - B1 Tree Management part B1.B  & B1.C. 

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

Form cannot be submitted until all field errors on this page have been fixed.

Part 3

Are you concerned about a non-immediate risk to human life or property?: * Further details below

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  ℹ   NON-IMMEDIATE RISK TO HUMAN LIFE OR PROPERTY - is if a property (an approved and lawfully constructed building, excluding minor ancillary structures such as garden sheds, cubby houses, detached carports, etc) or a frequently occupied area is within a distance of the tree equal to its height. 

The tree presents a risk to property or life image

DECISION - Please complete this form to notify Council of the intended removal/pruning details. Council will review your application and advise if you require a permit or you can remove/prune under as your application is consistent with the DCP. DO NOT take action until this advise is received. 

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

Is it in a Biodiversity Values mapped area?: * See link below to assess the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool

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STOP - Council CAN NOT approve removal/pruning of trees in a Biodiversity Values mapped area. You need a Native Vegetation Panel Application from the NSW Government Native Vegetation Panel for consent to remove the tree.

✅ DECISION: TREE PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIRED - Please complete this form to notify Council of the intended removal/pruning details. Council will assess your proposal and advise you of the outcome. Upon completion of this form, you will be prompted to make payment to complete your permit application.

DO NOT take action to remove/prune until this advice is received. 

  ℹ    For further information please reference Council Development Control Plan - B1 Tree Management part B1.B  & B1.C. 

NOTE: It is assumed that the information provided by you during this process is factual and accurate. If you have provided false or unconfirmed information, the decision displayed is void. You are liable for any actions you may take on the basis of false or misleading information provided when using this tool.

Form cannot be submitted until all field errors on this page have been fixed.

Property & Tree Description

IMPORTANT - ARBORIST INSPECTION FEE FROM 1ST JULY 2022

From 1st of July 2022 council have included a fee for Arborist inspection of trees of high value. If your tree/s are assessed as high value council staff will contact you and advise. At this point you may choose to withdraw your application, provide your own Arborist assessment or continue with the payment.

PROPERTY & TREE DESCRIPTION

Please select the appropriate activity for our proposed tree works?: *

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Tree Species 1

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Tree Species 2

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Tree Species 3

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Tree Species 4

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Tree Species 5

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Tree Species 9

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Tree Species 10

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Tree Species Details Upload

If the number of trees exceeds 10 you must upload the details using Council Tree Species Details Form.
(maximum 10 MB per file; limit 3 files)
Use the "Choose files" button (above) or drop files here to upload.
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ACCOMPANYING INFORMATION

Site plan, sketch of map upload instructions

  • A site sketch or plan that clearly shows the location of the tree in relation to other site features, such as dwellings and boundaries.
  • Please provide a scale or indicative distances and measurements.
  • You can use a simple sketch (like the one below) or use existing plans, aerial images (e.g. captured by drone), or online maps (e.g. SIX maps, Google Map, etc).

Site Plan Guide

Identifying the location of the trees on the property, key infrastructure and property boundary (maximum 10 MB per file; limit 3 files)
Use the "Choose files" button (above) or drop files here to upload.
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Photography upload instructions

  • Photos should be taken before and after removal. 
  • Photos of the tree that clearly demonstrate how it meets removal criteria.
  • Multiple photos may be required.
  • Photos should clearly show relevant tree details, the full tree, and the full tree in its landscape context.

Exemption Photo Guidelines Image

(maximum 10 MB per file; limit 3 files)
Use the "Choose files" button (above) or drop files here to upload.
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Applicant Details

Are you applying as an individual or Company?: *

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APPLICANT'S PHYSICAL ADDRESS

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Is the postal address different to the physical address?: *

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APPLICANT'S POSTAL ADDRESS

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Owners Consent

OWNERS CONSENT

ALL owners of the land to be developed must sign the application. An original signature must be provided and every owner must sign the form digitally OR provide written consent using Council’s Owners Consent Form.

Crown Land - If the land is Crown Land, an authorised officer of the NSW Department of Lands must sign the application.

Company - If the owner is a company, then two directors, a director and a secretary or an authorised delegate must sign the application and state their position.

Strata or Community Title - If the property is under strata or community title and any works are proposed on common property, the common seal of the owner’s corporation must be stamped on this form as well as the owner’s signature. 

As owner/s of the land to which this application relates, I/we consent to this application. I/we also consent to authorised Council officers entering the land to carry out inspection/s relating to this application as required. I/we accept that all communication regarding the application will be through the nominated applicant for this property.

OWNERS DETAILS

Please select one: *

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SIGNATURE PREFERENCES

Please select your signature preference: *

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If you choose to collect signatures and upload as an attachment please use Council’s Owners Consent Form.

INDIVIDUAL(S) PRIVATE PROPERTY SIGNATURE(S)

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Property Owner 1

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Land Owners Signature: *

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Property Owner 2

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Land Owners Signature: *

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Property Owner 3

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Land Owners Signature: *

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Property Owner 4

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Land Owners Signature: *

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If the number of owners exceeds 4 you must upload ALL owners consent. Please use Council’s Owners Consent Form to collect and upload.

(maximum 10 MB per file; limit 3 files)
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COMPANY SIGNATURES

If the application is made on behalf of a company, it needs to be signed by two (2) authorised persons and signatures must be followed by the person’s title eg. Director, Secretary.

Authorised Person 1

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Eg: Director, Secretary

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Signature: *

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Authorised Person 2

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Eg: Director, Secretary

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Signature: *

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(maximum 10 MB per file; limit 3 files)
Use the "Choose files" button (above) or drop files here to upload.
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BODY CORPORATE (STRATA TITLE) SIGNATURE(S)

If your property is part of a strata title, Council requires the signature(s) of the body corporate and the seal (stamp) of the body corporate. Please use Council’s Owners Consent Form
ALL signature(s) of the body corporate and seal (stamp) of the body corporate
Use the "Choose files" button (above) or drop files here to upload.
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CONSENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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Date:
Date:
today
Name:
User type:

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Payment

FEES AND CHARGES

Tree Permit Applications incur a $126.00 charge in accordance with the Port Stephens Schedule of Fees and Charges (in place as at the date that payment falls due). 

 

TAX INVOICE AND PAYMENT RECEIPT

TAX INVOICE

Fee Type:

Tree Permit Application

GST (Exempt): 

$0.00

Total Fee Amount:

Surcharge Type: 

0.55% Credit Card (CC)

GST (Exempt): 

$0.00

Total Amount CC Surcharge:

TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE

TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE (incl. 0.55% CC Surcharge):

PAYMENT RECEIPT

Port Stephens Council | ABN: 16 744 377 876
Address: 116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace, NSW, 2324 | Phone: (02) 49880255 | Fax: (02) 49873612
Webite: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au | Email: council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

Amount payable (BPOINT):

Payment history

No payment recorded.

Amount paid Paid on Receipt no. Transaction no.

 

PROCEED TO SECURE PAYMENT GATEWAY

BPOINT LOGO

 
Once you click "Submit" you will be taken to Council's secure payment gateway (BPOINT) to make a credit card payment.

Payment of the application fee is required to complete the submission of your application.

Tree Permit Application Fee - $126 (2023/2024):

Form cannot be submitted until all field errors on this page have been fixed.

ℹ️ Need help? If you need assistance completing this form you can contact the Natural Resources team on 02 4988 0255. 

💾 Want to save and come back later? You can “Save Draft” to continue completing your form at a later stage. Click "I'm not a robot" then "Save Draft". Enter your email address on the "Save Draft" screen to receive an email with your unique draft form link (Note: Draft Link will expire in 30 days) Note: If you need to leave and come back to the form multiple times, "Save Draft" each time to save your progress. 

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