Following reconsideration at its meeting on 26 June, Council has resolved to proceed with a trial amendment to the Shoalhaven Development Control Plan 2014 to strengthen the 45 Degree Rule tree removal policy, which will begin soon.
While the changes to the rule will still allow for people to remove trees that pose a significant risk to people or property, there have been some refinements to the rule that property owners will need to check and follow prior to tree removal or pruning.
When the trial begins, property owners using the rule will be required to notify Council and neighbours in writing at least five working days prior to tree works commencing.
The rule remains a self-assessment exemption, empowering property owners to determine if the tree poses a potential short-term risk (less than one year) to a building that cannot be resolved by an alternative tree management approach, such as selective pruning.
Work to the tree will need to be performed by a qualified, Level 3 arborist in accordance with Australian Standards.
Council staff are now working to refine and finalise the online process for notification and will notify the community when the trial formally comes into effect in coming months.
