THE City of Whittlesea is reminding landowners that unauthorised native vegetation removal and earthworks can attract serious penalties, urging residents to call before they act.
Many rural parts of Whittlesea fall under Green Wedge, Green Wedge A, or Rural Conservation Zones, each with strict planning controls designed to protect the environment. Under Victoria’s Planning Schemes, activities such as removing native trees, grasses, and shrubs, or carrying out earthworks that alter the land, often require a planning permit.
The Whittlesea Planning Scheme makes it clear: native vegetation cannot be removed without a permit unless a very specific exemption applies. Even the removal of dead trees can require approval, and exemptions should always be confirmed with council before work begins.
Council officers warn that it is the landowner, not the contractor, who is responsible for breaches.
“Even if someone tells you it’s fine, you could be the one facing penalties,” a Council spokesperson said.
Consequences for unauthorised works range from official warnings and fines to enforcement orders from VCAT, and in serious cases, prosecution.
Council officers actively monitor rural land through aerial photography, site inspections, community reports, and increasingly, artificial intelligence that highlights changes to the landscape. These tools make it harder for unauthorised activities to go unnoticed.
Residents are urged to contact the Council’s Planning Department on 9217 2170 before undertaking any land works. Community members who witness tree removal or suspect illegal activity can also report it anonymously.
“Protecting rural land is not just about preserving Whittlesea’s natural character, Council stresses, but also about safeguarding water systems, wildlife habitats, and neighbouring properties,” the spokesperson added.