Trees and vegetation
Vegetation that obstructs signs, pathways and roads can create hazards for road users and pedestrians.
Council undertakes tree and vegetation control on road reserves for sight distance and to maintain a clear carriage way on Council roads. Fire prevention slashing is conducted throughout the shire during fire season.
If your trees overhang onto public land they must not hang lower than three metres from the surface of the footpath or road. This allows pedestrians and vehicles to move without obstruction and does not obstruct signs.
When trimming trees or vegetation, please take into account that wet branches are heavier and can hang lower and cause problems to traffic or pedestrians.
Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Please contact your neighbour/s to discuss pruning.
If you have a dispute with a neighbour regarding fencing, seek legal advice. This is a private matter and Council does not deal with neighbour disputes. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria can help you with dispute resolution around neighbourhood issues such as fences, noise, pets, trees, property damage or behaviour.
Removal of native vegetation
You will generally need a permit to remove native vegetation from your property. For further information, see Native vegetation removal.
Trimming trees on public land
You must not allow any tree or plant on your land to cause any damage to, or interfere with public land.
You must not cut, destroy, damage, remove or interfere with any trees, including dead trees and fallen limbs or plants on any road or public land.
Contact us on (03) 5422 0333 if you think a tree is hazardous in any way, including trees growing too close to power lines, roots damaging a footpath or trees causing obstruction to road or footpath users.
Trees at intersections
If your property is located at the intersection of two or more roads, any vegetation within 12 metres of the intersection of the roads must not be more than 1.2 metres high. This allows clear vision of signs, pedestrians and vehicles for road and footpath users.
Fire access tracks
Annual inspections of fire access tracks are undertaken by Council's Fire Prevention Officer in conjunction with the various rural Fire Brigades in our shire. Work activities derived from these inspections are forwarded to Operations for works to be undertaken.
Note: fire access tracks are not maintained outside fire restriction times.
Electric Line Clearance Management Plan
The Electric Line Clearance Management Plan establishes a system for Council to manage trees and maintain the clearance space between electric lines and trees.
Objectives of this plan include public safety and the continuity of electricity supply, management of vegetation in a manner that maximises the amenity and environmental benefits and compliance with the Electric Safety (Electric Lane Clearance) Regulations 2010.
More information: Trees and powerlines
Report a tree hazard (24 hours, seven days a week)
You can report an tree hazard such as a fallen tree on a road by calling Council on (03) 5422 0333 (24 hours, seven days a week).