Bushfire vegetation work: check eligibility before clearing.
How to separate an identified Asset Protection Zone or 10/50 entitlement from a general request to clear vegetation.
Bushfire-prone land is not an automatic clearing approval
A bushfire-prone land map describes risk. It does not by itself say 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 document applying to the property.
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 depends on the property, and exclusions or additional conditions may apply. Keep the result with the job documents.
Separate approved clearing from general maintenance
Give the tree service 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. The approved clearing area and vegetation to be retained need to be clear before work starts.
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.
Plan the work from the clearing area
Once the approved clearing area is clear, the tree team can plan access, equipment, retained vegetation, debris handling and the required site finish. If the approval or plan changes, review the work before machinery moves in.
Frequently asked
Quick answers about this topic.
Does a bushfire-prone land map authorise tree removal?
No. It identifies bushfire context, not an automatic clearing entitlement. Check the current NSW RFS and council pathway for the property.
Services related to this post
Explore the service.
Written by
John's Tree Services North Shore
Business team
- Tree removal
- Pruning and lopping
- Stumps and clearing
John's Tree Services North Shore publishes practical guides based on the tree problems customers commonly face across the North Shore and Ryde.
