Bushfire vegetation work: check eligibility before clearing.

Bushfire-prone land is not an automatic clearing approval

A bushfire-prone land map describes risk context. It does not by itself define what vegetation may be removed.

Start with the property documents and the current NSW Rural Fire Service and council information. An Asset Protection Zone may be established through a development consent, bush fire safety authority, hazard reduction certificate or another property-specific instrument.

Check any 10/50 entitlement on the day

The NSW RFS directs landholders to use its 10/50 online assessment tool (opens in new tab) on the day clearing is proposed because mapped areas and restrictions can change.

Read the current Code and the complete tool result. Eligibility is property-specific, and exclusions or additional conditions may apply. Retain the result with the job documents.

Separate the approved scope from general maintenance

Provide the tree service with the plan, consent conditions, certificate, tool result or other document that defines the work. Identify:

• vegetation to be retained and removed;
• boundaries and access;
• protection zones and excluded areas;
• erosion, wildlife and debris requirements; and
• the required site condition at handover.

A request to “clear the block” is not enough to establish lawful scope.

Check other controls

Bushfire work can overlap with biodiversity, heritage, development, waterways, steep land and electricity-network requirements. The 10/50 material also makes clear that it does not authorise vegetation clearing around powerlines.

Contact the network operator about powerline vegetation. For an Ausgrid electricity-network hazard, keep clear and call 13 13 88.

Quote only from the confirmed documents

Once the property pathway and scope are clear, the quote can account for access, equipment, retained vegetation, debris handling and the required site finish. If the approval or plan changes, update the quote before work begins.