Golden Plains Shire Council Tree Removal Services

Golden Plains’ Tree Removal Experts

Milone’s Tree Solutions provides tree care across Bannockburn, Teesdale, Inverleigh, Smythesdale and Meredith. For rural-residential properties, farms and town sites between Geelong and Ballarat, our qualified arborists bring 20+ years’ experience to safe tree removal.

We also provide tree trimming, stump grinding and emergency tree services. We can explain local council regulations and when tree lopping is appropriate.

Understanding Golden Plains Shire Council Tree Protection Requirements

Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation is the primary Golden Plains control. Council states that removing, destroying or lopping can include mowing, slashing, spraying, pruning, digging, cutting and burning. Overlays can create additional requirements.

When You Need a Permit

A permit may be required where:

• You propose to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, including dead native vegetation where the relevant exemption does not apply, under Clause 52.17.
• Vegetation is covered by Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 1, which protects remnant Western Plains Grasslands.
• Vegetation is covered by Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 2, which protects significant remnant vegetation in bushland reserves and government road reserves.
• Waterway vegetation is affected by Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1, subject to the schedule’s exemptions.
• Other planning controls apply. Golden Plains has VPO1–VPO2, ESO1–ESO4 and SLO1–SLO13 in force, so the particular schedule affecting the land must be checked.

Golden Plains’ Tree Protection and Management Policy also recognises trees protected by permit conditions or the planning scheme. Local Law No. 1 requires vegetation over a footpath to be kept above 2.4 m and not obstruct traffic.

• Under the new statewide Clause 52.37 Canopy Trees provision (introduced 15 September 2025), a planning permit is also required to remove, destroy or lop established canopy trees (over 5 metres tall with a trunk circumference over 0.5 metres and a canopy of 4 metres or more) in most residential zones.

When a Permit May Not Be Required

The available exemptions are specific and do not override every planning control:

• In eligible bushfire circumstances, the 10/50 rule allows native trees to be removed within 10 m of a dwelling and fine fuels within 50 m, but it excludes roadsides and specially protected vegetation.
• In a designated Bushfire Prone Area, the 10/30 rule can allow clearing within 10 m of an eligible accommodation building and vegetation other than trees within 30 m, where it was constructed or approved before 10 September 2009.
• Vegetation presenting an immediate safety risk, such as a tree imminently likely to fall, may be removed without a permit.
• Boundary-fence clearing can be exempt up to a maximum 4 m total width. Council consent is needed where a fence adjoins a road reserve, and internal fences are not exempt.
• Dead vegetation is generally exempt, but large standing dead trees and land affected by an overlay such as an ESO can still require a permit.

However, we always recommend contacting Golden Plains Shire Council or consulting with our professional arborists to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific situation.

Golden Plains Shire Council Permit Application Process

Fees vary and Golden Plains does not publish dollar amounts for vegetation-removal applications on its Planning Fees page. Confirm the current charge with Council before lodging your application.

How to Apply

Apply through Council’s official Apply for a Planning Permit page. Speak with Council’s planning team and prepare species, measurements, the reason for removal, photographs and an arborist report where relevant. Milone’s Tree Solutions can prepare a comprehensive arborist report to support your application, and our tree removal permit advice service can guide you through the process.

Official Golden Plains Shire Council Resources

• Native Vegetation and Wildlife information
• Native Vegetation FAQ
• Apply for a Planning Permit

Sources last checked: 7 August 2026.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is intended as general guidance only. Permit requirements for tree pruning, removal, and any works vary between local councils and may change without notice. If in doubt, or for the avoidance of doubt, Milone’s Tree Solutions strongly advises all customers to conduct their own due diligence and contact their local council directly to confirm whether permits, consents or approvals are required before proceeding with any tree works. Milone’s Tree Solutions accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, penalty, or action resulting from reliance on the information contained herein or from failure to obtain the necessary permits prior to works being undertaken.

Common Trees Across Golden Plains Shire

Golden Plains’ rural townships and roadsides feature native species alongside established avenue trees. Council’s approved street tree palette includes:

• River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis): Included in Council’s approved street tree guide.
• Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora): Part of the approved street tree palette and also identified in VPO2’s remnant-vegetation protection.
• Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa): A species listed in Council’s approved street tree guide.
• Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon): Included in the Council street tree palette.
• English Oak (Quercus robur): An established exotic species on the approved street tree guide.
• Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina verticillata): Included on Council’s approved street tree list.