Do I need a permit to clear my land? Native vegetation in Victoria

In Victoria, removing, destroying or lopping native vegetation usually needs a planning permit. That includes trees, shrubs, understorey, native grasses and regrowth. It applies on private land, including farms, and it's the single most common thing people get wrong before a clearing job.

What counts as native vegetation

Native vegetation means plants that are indigenous to Victoria — not just big old gums. Wattle regrowth, native grasses in a paddock that hasn't been cropped, and young eucalypts coming back through an old clearing can all count. Weeds like gorse, blackberry and introduced pines don't, but they're often growing through native plants, and that mix still matters.

Check these before you book anyone

• Look your property up on VicPlan and download the free planning property report. It shows mapped zones and overlays; title restrictions must be checked separately.

• Check the Native Vegetation Regulation Map for your property.

• Ring the council planning department and describe what you want to remove and why. Ask straight out whether a permit is needed.

• If there's a Bushfire Management Plan or an existing permit on the property, read its conditions — some trees may be marked to stay.

Exemptions exist, but read them carefully

There are exemptions in the planning scheme — for example some bushfire protection clearing around existing buildings, fence line maintenance, and keeping existing tracks open. Each has its own conditions and limits. Don't assume one applies because a neighbour said so. Ask council for written confirmation of the applicable requirements; an informal email does not replace a required permit.

Why it matters to you

Unauthorised clearing can lead to enforcement and restoration requirements. Landowners and contractors must confirm approvals and conditions; hiring someone does not make the work lawful. When we come out for a site visit we'll ask what you've checked, and if anything looks native we'll tell you to sort the permit question first rather than take the risk.

• VicPlan — planning property report
• Native vegetation — Victorian planning
• Native vegetation removal regulations — DEECA