Tree and vegetation removal

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Do I need approval to clear native vegetation on my property?

All clearing of native vegetation requires a permit from the Department of Water & Environmental Regulation (DWER) unless the proposed clearing falls within an ‘exemption’ category. Clearing permit exemptions include:

• Immediate threat to life or property
• Establishing a property fence line (within 1m)
• Clearing away from an existing building (limbs overhanging and/or tree within 3 metres)
• Works required according to the annual Bushfire Mitigation Notice
• Works that are part of a development approved by Shire (eg. building a new house)

Please contact DWER for full details of what can be cleared without a permit on (08) 6364 7000 or email [email protected]

For more information head to the State Government's webpage for clearing permits: Native vegetation clearing permits | Western Australian Government

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Where clearing always needs a permit:

A clearing permit is always required within a designated environmentally sensitive area, along waterways or where threatened flora or fauna habitat has been mapped by DWER.

The State Government's mapping system ‘Locate’ shows native vegetation, environmentally sensitive areas and other protected flora/fauna areas. You can find this at: maps.slip.wa.gov.au/landgate/locate/

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Do I need approval to clear native vegetation on a road reserve?

As road reserves are public land, tree removal or clearing on road verges requires approval from the Shire before starting work. You do not need approval to maintain existing residential gardens in the road verge, including minor pruning of tree limbs.

For more information click here to see our policies on:

• Town Street Verge Management
• Rural Road Verge Vegetation Management
• Road Verge Burning

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Do I need approval to clear undergrowth or scrub?

The same clearing requirements apply to the removal of undergrowth, scrub and all other types of native vegetation. Undergrowth is usually where the most biodiversity is found.

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Do I need approval to clear non-native vegetation?

You do not need approval to clear non-native vegetation unless it is within an environmentally sensitive area mapped by DWER.

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I'm not sure if I need a permit - what can I do?

If you are unsure whether you need a clearing permit, you can lodge a referral form on DWER's website.

Search for “native vegetation clearing referrals WA” for details on how to do this and the information you will need.

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Information Brochure - Vegetation Clearing