The Central Coast is known and loved for the abundant, diverse bushland and natural environment.

Trees and vegetation on private land form an integral part of the local atmosphere and appropriately managing these contributes to the protection of our wildlife, biodiversity and liveability of the Central Coast. At times, trees on private land will require pruning or removal and, where possible, replacement with suitable species. The following information provides the process that is to be followed in each circumstance.

In 2017 the State Government introduced a new State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, commonly called the Vegetation SEPP, which replaced the clauses relating to trees in Council's LEP. The Central Coast Council Development Control Plan (DCP) trees and Vegetation Management is enacted by the Vegetation SEPP and reflects its requirements.

On 23 February 2021, Council adopted a new policy to manage tree and vegetation vandalism that ensures a consistent approach to the management of vandalism of trees and other vegetation on public land. The policy was updated following feedback from the community late last year, it reinforces our commitment to protecting our natural environment and gives us a range of tools, including education and enforcement, to manage unlawful damage to tress and vegetation.

This information is designed to ensure residents are directed to the correct agency to assess their vegetation matter, or ensuring the correct form is completed. This will require some checking by residents however the links provided should assist in undertaking these checks.