Illegal tree and vegetation clearing reforms and protections
In October 2026 the NSW Government announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening protections against illegal tree and vegetation clearing. The proposed changes include:
- Increases in court-imposed penalties of up to $500,000 for individuals and $2.5 million for corporations.
- Higher on-the-spot fines increasing from $3,000 to $6,000 for individuals and from $6,000 to $18,000 for businesses.
- Additional enforcement powers which allow councils to issue orders to stop tree-clearing works and require replanting.
- Introducing permit requirements for the removal of dead and dying trees to discourage deliberate poisoning or damage.
Several regulatory amendments have already been made, while a separate Bill establishing a civil penalty framework was introduced into Parliament on 21 October 2026 and is yet to be finalised.
The Department's latest public information, including a summary of the changes, is available at NSW Planning – Protecting our urban trees and vegetation: Policy changes