Changes to 10/50 vegetation clearing

Summary

Changes have been announced to the way the 10/50 vegetation clearing rule is applied in some areas.

Changes to eligibility area

Changes were made to the eligibility area on 27 November. These changes are effective immediately. You should re-confirm your eligibility to remove vegetation using the online tool before taking any action. For more information see our frequently asked questions.

The 10/50 vegetation clearing rule was introduced following the devastating 2013 bush fires in which more than 200 properties were destroyed.

The rule allows people in a designated 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area to:

  • Clear trees on their property within 10 metres of a home, without seeking approval; and
  • Clear underlying vegetation such as shrubs (but not trees) on their property within 50 metres of a home, without seeking approval.

Changes have been announced to the way the entitlement area applies. You must check the online tool immediately before commencing work, as the entitlement area may have changed.

Image showing the clearing of trees within 10 metres of a home and vegetation within 50 metres of a home

The new laws are supported by the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice

A series of frequently asked questions has been published to provide additional information and can be accessed on our 10/50 Vegetation Clearing page