THE NSW Government has promised action to address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW.
An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released, offering stakeholders the opportunity to consult on reforms to the urban tree clearing framework.
A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released.
The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.
Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land.
“Our housing reforms have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is not sustainable.
“These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas.”
The state’s peak body for local government has welcomed the government’s proposed crackdown on illegal tree and vegetation clearing as a “major win for councils, communities and the environment”.
“Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and councils have long called for action to address illegal tree clearing, with this matter raised at our 2022, 2023 and 2024 Annual Conferences,” LGNSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.
“The NSW Government’s proposed changes would strengthen councils’ ability to protect their communities’ urban canopy and natural environment.
“We know our communities love their trees, but we need to ensure that penalties for illegal clearing act as a sufficient deterrent for the small minority who think they’re above the law,” she said.
The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025
In addition to the EIE, a new “Cooler Places” hub has also been launched to help address urban heat.
The NSW Government resource has been released to offer councils, residents and developers access to practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs.
The online hub encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.
In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C.
Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 percent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.
