New protection for canopy trees

Published on 01 October 2025

Council welcomes the state government's introduction of new rules that will protect valuable tree canopy in residential areas, including in Banyule.

The new rules aim to balance tree-protections with the need for more housing. The new rules apply to all the planning schemes across the state, including our own Banyule Planning Scheme.

Council is working through how these changes, introduced in September 2025, interact with our permit processes.   You may already need a permit to remove a tree under Banyule's Planning Scheme, regardless of whether you need one under the new changes.

As always, you should contact Council before cutting down any tree. In 2024-2025, Council prosecuted several illegal tree removals.  

Banyule Mayor Elizabeth Nealy welcomed the new protections.

“We share the goal of protecting canopy trees in residential areas – and Banyule Council is pleased about this state-wide change”

“It will support our target of 30% canopy cover across all suburbs by 2050 while being mindful of housing needs.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Peter Castaldo added his support too.

“Our urban forest is a vital part of what makes Banyule a great place to live – Council supports policy that helps to protect and enhance canopy tree cover, reducing the impacts of urban heat and providing habitat for local birds and animals.”

Information will progressively be updated on our website when we have more clarity on these changes.

What is a canopy tree?

A canopy tree is:

• More than 5 metres high (about the height of an average single-storey house); and
• More than 50cm trunk circumference; and
• At least 4 metres canopy diameter.

When do you need a permit under Banyule's Planning Scheme

You need a permit to remove or lop a canopy tree:

• Within 6 metres of the front boundary and 4.5 metres of the rear boundary where:
  • There is an existing dwelling, or one that's proposed to be extended.
  • The land is vacant or has an existing dwelling, and a planning permit application is being assessed for one or more dwellings.
• Anywhere on a lot where the land is vacant, or where a new single dwelling is proposed on a vacant lot.