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Buloke Shire Council is encouraging residents to familiarise themselves with new Victorian planning rules designed to protect and enhance urban tree canopy cover.
Introduced through Amendment VC289, the new Clause 52.37 – Canopy Trees came into effect on 15 September 2025 and now applies across all Victorian planning schemes.
The changes aim to increase protection for established trees that play a vital role in reducing urban heat, supporting biodiversity, improving neighbourhood character and strengthening climate resilience.
Under the new provisions, a planning permit may be required to remove, destroy or significantly lop a canopy tree on residential land within the Township Zone.
A canopy tree is generally defined as a tree that:
In many circumstances, permits are required for the removal of canopy trees on vacant residential land, or where trees are located within six metres of a street frontage or 4.5 metres of a rear boundary.
Buloke Shire Council encourages property owners to seek advice before undertaking any works on large trees to ensure they comply with the new planning requirements.
Large established trees provide significant environmental and community benefits and can take decades to replace.
Residents considering removing or heavily pruning a large tree should contact Council's Planning Department first to determine whether a planning permit is required.
Some exemptions may apply, including where a tree is dead, presents an immediate safety risk or must be removed under another Act.
Download the Fact Sheet
Download the Permit Requirements
For further information, contact Buloke Shire Council's Planning Department on 1300 520 520, email planning@buloke.vic.gov.au, or visit www.buloke.vic.gov.au.
Media Enquiries:
For further information contact Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 or email media@buloke.vic.gov.au